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Ben Affleck grilled over Harvey Weinstein allegations as he pledges to donate Miramax cheques to charities

Speaking out: Ben Affleck on The Late Show
Speaking out: Ben Affleck on The Late Show

Ben Affleck has revealed he is donating the money he earns from Miramax movies to charities that benefit women in the wake of the Hollywood sex scandal.

Affleck made the admission during a grilling from Stephen Colbert over the ongoing sexual abuse allegations levelled against Harvey Weinstein, who founded the entertainment company.

The Justice League actor worked with the shamed producer in the early days of his career, which he said have now been “tainted”.

Speaking to Colbert on The Late Show he said: “I felt this attachment to Shakespeare in Love and Goodwill Hunting so it kind of tainted that to think why we were making these movies there were people suffering and dealing with awful experiences.

“It’s hard to know what to do with that but I decided to give back the residuals that I’m getting from the Miramax movies. I didn’t want to cash a cheque for the guy so I can still feel OK about it if it’s going to a good cause.”

Affleck has also faced allegations of misconduct after One Tree Hill actress Hilarie accused him of groping her during an appearance on MTV’s TRL in 2003.

He said he has no memory of the alleged incident which has made him more “mindful” of his behaviour.

He told Colbert: “What I was accused of by a woman was of touching her breast while I gave her a hug. I don’t remember it, but I absolutely apologised for it. I certainly don’t think she’s lying or making it up.

“It’s just the kind of thing that we have to as men, as we become more aware of this, be really, really mindful of our behaviour and hold ourselves accountable and say, ‘If I was ever part of the problem, I want to change. I want to be part of the solution.’ And to not shy away from these uncomfortable or awkward or strange encounters.”

He said it is important for men to “support the voices that are coming forward” to create a space for women to feel “empowered”.