Dustin Hoffman has addressed sexual misconduct allegations made against him during the #MeToo movement, acknowledging that he may have made women uncomfortable while denying that he crossed the line into misconduct.
The Oscar-winning actor discusses the claims in his new memoir, Look at Me, released on Tuesday. He writes that his behaviour was not always appropriate, particularly earlier in his life.
“I’m sure it’s true that in my life, especially forty years ago, I made some women uncomfortable,” Hoffman writes, while arguing that the meaning of feeling uncomfortable can differ from person to person.
He adds: “What is crass and offensive to one person, another individual might find hilarious, or enlivening, or even sort of cozy.”
Hoffman acknowledges that he flirted and told dirty jokes, but draws a distinction between that behaviour and sexual misconduct. He denies ever pressuring anyone into a sexual encounter.
Several women accused Hoffman of sexual misconduct in 2017, with allegations ranging from harassment to sexual assault. He apologised to one accuser at the time and has denied the more serious allegations.
In the memoir, Hoffman also credits his wife, Lisa, with helping him recognise that his conduct could be inappropriate. He says it took him years to understand that not every woman welcomed his flirting.
