Major Controversies Surrounding Ben Affleck: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Ben Affleck.

Ben Affleck is a prominent American actor and filmmaker recognized with multiple prestigious awards, including two Academy Awards, two BAFTAs, and three Golden Globes. He began his acting career as a child in the PBS series 'The Voyage of the Mimi' during the 1980s. He gained further recognition in the 1990s with roles in independent films such as 'Dazed and Confused' and Kevin Smith's comedies, notably 'Chasing Amy.' He is known for both his acting and directing endeavors in the entertainment industry.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1997: McGowan tells Affleck about Weinstein's assault

In 1997, after being sexually assaulted by Harvey Weinstein during the Sundance Film Festival, Rose McGowan stated that she met Ben Affleck and told him, while crying, that she had "just come from Harvey's and he said, 'Goddamnit, I told him to stop doing that.'"

2003: Accusation of Inappropriate Behavior by Hilarie Burton on TRL Uncensored

In 2003, actress Hilarie Burton stated that, during an on-air appearance on TRL Uncensored, Ben Affleck "wraps his arm around me, and comes over and tweaks my left boob". In 2017, Affleck responded on Twitter: "I acted inappropriately toward Ms. Burton and I sincerely apologize."

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2014: Appears on Finding Your Roots

In 2014, Ben Affleck appeared on the PBS genealogy series Finding Your Roots, where he learned about an ancestor who was a slave owner. The segment was later removed from the final broadcast and online archive after Affleck expressed discomfort.

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2014: Accusation of Inappropriate Behavior by Annamarie Tendler at Golden Globes Party

In 2014, makeup artist Annamarie Tendler said that Ben Affleck "grabbed my ass at a Golden Globes party ... He tried to play it like he was politely moving me out of the way." In 2017, during the MeToo movement, the event was recalled as a part of accusations towards Affleck for inappropriate behavior.

2015: Sony email hacking scandal reveals Affleck's discomfort with Finding Your Roots segment

In 2015, leaked emails from the Sony email hacking scandal revealed that Ben Affleck felt uncomfortable about the segment on Finding Your Roots, which discussed his ancestor being a slave owner. This led to the segment's removal from the final broadcast and online archive.

2017: Accusations of Inappropriate Behavior During MeToo Movement

In 2017, during the MeToo movement, Ben Affleck was accused by two women of inappropriate behavior. Actress Hilarie Burton stated that, during an on-air appearance on TRL Uncensored in 2003, Affleck "wraps his arm around me, and comes over and tweaks my left boob", while Annamarie Tendler, a makeup artist, said that Affleck "grabbed my ass at a Golden Globes party in 2014

2019: Affleck expresses support for Rose McGowan

In a 2019 interview, Ben Affleck stated that he believes Rose McGowan and supports her, while also expressing admiration for her tenacity, in relation to her allegations regarding Harvey Weinstein.

2020: McGowan clarifies comments about Affleck's knowledge of her assault

In 2020, Rose McGowan clarified her previous comments, stating that she never told Ben Affleck she was raped by Harvey Weinstein, but rather that she wanted to illustrate the point of everyone knowing and being part of the situation, unwittingly or proactively.