Casey Affleck's Oscar win causes outrage due to past

Photo credit: David Crotty / Getty Images
Photo credit: David Crotty / Getty Images

From Digital Spy

One of the most hotly contested categories in Sunday's Oscars was Best Actor.

It turned out to be Casey Affleck's night after his leading performance in Manchester by the Sea – edging out Fences star Denzel Washington. But the result proved to be highly controversial.

Affleck was sued by two co-workers who he worked with on 2010 film I'm Still Here, cinematographer Magdalena Gorka (for $2.25 million) and producer Amanda White (for $2 million) over allegations of sexual harassment.

Photo credit: Christopher Polk / Getty Images
Photo credit: Christopher Polk / Getty Images

Gorka claimed that Affleck got into bed with her without consent. According to court documents, she alleged that "Affleck had entered the bedroom while she was asleep and crawled into the bed", and that when she woke up, "Affleck was curled up next to her in the bed wearing only his underwear and a T-shirt. He had his arm around her, was caressing her back".

The lawsuits were settled out of court, and when asked about the allegations last month by the New York Times, Affleck, who denied the claims, said: "It was settled to the satisfaction of all.

"I was hurt and upset – I am sure all were – but I am over it. It was an unfortunate situation – mostly for the innocent bystanders of the families of those involved."

Photo credit: Roadside Attractions
Photo credit: Roadside Attractions

Although Affleck won the Oscar, many people were upset by the win.

Noticeably, Brie Larson – who played a sexual assault victim in last year's Room – did not clap for Affleck after she presented him with the award.

And plenty on social media did not hold back, either. Warning: Some strong language below.

Emma Stone, Mahershala Ali, and Viola Davis were the other Oscars acting winners this year.

Affleck's Oscar wasn't the only controversial moment on the night. La La Land was mistakenly announced to have won Best Picture, after Warren Beatty was given the wrong envelope. Moonlight won instead.


Want up-to-the-minute entertainment news and features? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @digitalspy Twitter account and you're all set.

You Might Also Like