In an interview with GQ Australia, the former St. Michael student commented that the international movement against sexual harassment, assault and rape had made it “very difficult” to flirt.
I think a woman should be wooed and chased,” he said, before adding that his view might be “old-fashioned.”
“It’s very difficult to do that if there are certain rules in place. Because then it’s like, ‘Well, I don’t want to go up and talk to her, because I’m going to be called a rapist or something’.
“So you’re like, ‘forget it, I’m going to call an ex-girlfriend instead, and then just go back to a relationship which never really worked’. But [that’s] way safer than casting myself into the fires of hell, because I’m someone in the public eye, and if I go and flirt with someone, then who knows what’s going to happen.”
The comments sparked uproar on social media.
This is absurd. If Henry Cavill doesn’t want to be called a rapist then all he has to do is… not rape anyone.
The mental gymnastics some men are doing to position themselves as “victims” of #MeToo is insane. pic.twitter.com/nafnZiaXGH
— Helen Price (@HelenRPrice) July 11, 2018
If you can’t tell the difference between welcome flirting and harassment/assault, you have a big problem.
— Rachel Molnar (@Rachel_Mol) July 11, 2018
Stop trying to derail the conversation by claiming #MeToo wants to “stop men ever talking to women” or some bullshit. If you don’t know the difference between politely asking someone out and sexually harassing them, you have a serious problem.
— Helen Price (@HelenRPrice) July 11, 2018
Henry Cavill, why were you able to be diplomatic about Justice League but you couldn’t manage to not sound like a creep when talking about Me Too?
— (@PANlCOFGlRLS) July 11, 2018
The actor has since apologised.
He commented: “Having seen the reaction to an article, in particular about my feelings on dating and the [Me Too] movement, I just wanted to apologise for any confusion and misunderstanding that this may have created.
“Insensitivity was absolutely not my intention. In light of this I would just like to clarify and confirm to all that I have always and will continue to hold women in the highest of regard, no matter the type of relationship whether it be friendship, professional, or a significant other. Never would I intend to disrespect in any way, shape or form.
“This experience has taught me a valuable lesson as to the context and the nuance of editorial liberties. I look forward to clarifying my position in the future towards a subject that is so vitally important and which I wholeheartedly support.”
