Known for starring in multiple movies like Star Wars to Taken, Hollywood star Liam Neeson came under fire after he defended high-profile men who have been accused of inappropriate behavior. One of the names he commented on also included the actor-filmmaker Dustin Hoffman, who infamously slapped his Kramer vs. Kramer co-star Meryl Streep and has also been accused of s*xual misconduct by many women.
Neeson, who suggested that there seems to be a “bit of a witch-hunt happening,” drew criticism from many who believe he is downplaying the seriousness of the allegations and failing to acknowledge the prevalence of such misconduct in various industries.
Liam Neeson’s Controversial Remarks on Allegations Against Dustin Hoffman
During an appearance on the Irish talk show The Late Late Show, actor Liam Neeson shared his views on the s*xual misconduct allegations against several prominent figures, including the 86-year-old actor Dustin Hoffman.
Hoffman has faced accusations from multiple women, including actress Kathryn Rossetter, who alleged he groped her during their 1983 Broadway production. However, while discussing the allegations against him, the Taken star referred to his actions as “silly,” and “childhood stuff.” He said,
“The Dustin Hoffman thing, I’m on the fence about that—You do silly things and it becomes kind of superstitious; if you don’t do it every night you think it’s going to jinx the show—Apparently, he touched another girl’s breast and stuff. But it’s childhood stuff what he was doing.”
The actor further commented on the #MeToo movement. Neeson said that the movement has impacted all industries and not just Hollywood, while expressing concern over women’s treatment in farms and ranches, calling for increased awareness and action.
And his comments on the situation received criticism with many arguing that the 71-year-old actor’s remarks undermine the severity of the allegations and perpetuate harmful narratives that diminish the experiences of victims.
Meryl Streep Described Dustin Hoffman’s Actions as ‘Overstepping‘
Meryl Streep and Hoffman shared the screen in the Oscar-winning legal drama Kramer vs. Kramer. And the actress did not have a very pleasant first day on the film’s set, as Hoffman slapped his co-star while filming their first scene together.
In an interview with The New York Times, she reflected on the incident, saying,
“I’m sure that I have inadvertently hurt people in physical scenes. But there’s a certain amount of forgiveness in that. But this was my first movie, and it was my first take in my first movie, and he just slapped me. And you see it in the movie.”
The actress further described his actions as “overstepping,” emphasizing that such behavior would not be tolerated anymore. Earlier in an interview, Streep also recalled being harassed by Hoffman as she reportedly shared that the actor groped her during their first meeting.
The Oscar-winning actor later apologized for his behavior towards his co-star and reportedly also apologized to several of his accusers, saying that he felt “terribly” and that his actions did not reflect his character.
