Henry Cavill recently drew the ire of his fans and audiences when he made some controversial comments on the #MeToo movement which has drawn worldwide attention on the topic of sexual harassment.
In a recent interview with GQ Australia, Cavill revealed that he would rather woo and chase women because he believes in “old-fashioned” ways. However, the current-day environment has made him quite apprehensive about approaching women, even if it was limited to light-hearted flirting.
“There’s a traditional approach to that, which is nice. I think a woman should be wooed and chased, but maybe I’m old-fashioned for thinking that,” he said.
“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’,” he added.
The actor did not stop there and further remarked that choosing not to flirt was safer than casting himself into the fires of hell.
“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 it’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?”
“Now? Now you really can’t pursue someone further than, ‘No’. It’s like, ‘OK, cool’,” he commented, adding: “But then there’s the, ‘Oh why’d you give up?’ And it’s like, ‘ell because I didn’t want to go to jail?’”
As expected, social media flared up on Cavill’s comments and called him out for being insensitive and unable to differentiate between someone being interested in them and sexual assault.
Hence, in light of this backlash, Cavill released a statement on CNN saying, “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.”
“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,” he continued.
Cavill further said, “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.”