Henry Cavill has issued a statement of apology following controversial comments that he made about flirting in the era of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements.
In an interview with GQ Australia, Cavill was asked if the #MeToo movements has made him reflect upon his behaviour with women. "I like to think that I've never been like that," he explained. But the actor then expressed his concern about how his "traditional" ability to flirt with women has been affected.
"There's something wonderful about a man chasing a woman,"Cavill said. "I think a woman should be wooed and chased, but maybe I'm old-fashioned for thinking that."
"It's very difficult to do that if there are certain rules in place," he continued. "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'... because I'm someone in the public eye, if I go and flirt with someone, then who knows what's going to happen?"
"Now? Now you really can’t pursue someone further than, 'No.' It’s like, 'OK, cool.' But then there’s the, 'Oh why’d you give up?' And it’s like, 'Well, because I didn’t want to go to jail?'"
So then, the apology: "Having seen the reaction to an article in particular about my feelings on dating and the #MeToo movement, I just wanted to apologise for any confusion and misunderstanding that this may have created," he said. "Insensitivity was absolutely not my intention."
"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," the statement continued. "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 it so vitally important and in which I wholeheartedly support."
