Casey Affleck has learned "important lessons" from the #MeToo movement.
Casey Affleck
The 'Manchester By The Sea' star - who faced two sexual harassment lawsuits in 2010 from women who worked with him on his film 'I'm Still Here', which he settled outside of court for an undisclosed amount that same year - has learned to be "open to as many other perspectives" as possible.
Speaking to Variety magazine, he said: "I mean, look, if you haven't learned anything from all of this, then you really haven't been paying attention, and that goes for everybody. It's probably a conversation that deserves a little more time than standing on a red carpet. But I would say that one of the most important lessons is to try to remain as open as you can to other perspectives and to listen to other peoples experiences and, you know, take care of one another."
In the wake of the rise of the movements, Casey stepped away from his role in presenting the Best Actress award at the 2018 Oscars, a role which has become traditional for the Best Actor winner of the previous year.
Some critics stated Casey should never have won his 2017 gong for 'Manchester By The Sea' in the first place, and screenwriter Kenneth Lonergan has also hit out at them for not knowing "what they're talking about".
He said: "People really don't know what they are talking about, I'm afraid. And I'm afraid they are doing it in the name of a very good cause."
Casey made his decision almost two months before the ceremony - which took place at Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4 - ad the Academy confirmed the news in a brief statement.
They said at the time: "We appreciate the decision to keep the focus on the show and on the great work of this year."
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