Ben Affleck apologises for groping 'One Tree Hill' starlet

Actor was accused after he responded to sexual assault allegations against Harvey Weinstein

Actor Ben Affleck was recently accused of groping One Tree Hill star Hilarie Burton during her time as an MTV VJ, reported The Independent.

The accusation came from a Twitter user after Affleck wrote a response to the sexual assault allegations against renowned Hollywood producer, Harvey Weinstein.

He gave an elaborate statement that he felt "sick" and that the producer's behaviour was "completely unacceptable".

 The Batman vs Superman actor wrote, "I am saddened and angry that a man who I worked with used his position of power to intimidate, sexually harass and manipulate many women over decades."

Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie open up about harassment

Affleck continued, "The additional allegations of assault that I read this morning made me sick. This is completely unacceptable, and I find myself asking what I can do to make sure this doesn't happen to others. We need to do better at protecting our sisters, friends, co-workers and daughter. We must support those who come forward, condemn this type of behaviour when we see it and help ensure there are more women in positions of power."

However, he landed himself in hot waters as a Twitter user pointed out that "everyone forgot" about Affleck grabbing actor Hilarie Burton inappropriately.

PHOTO: INDEPENDENT

Hilarie added fuel to the fire by replying to the tweet saying, "I didn't forget."

She also shared a video snippet that showed the incident and wrote, "Girls. I'm so impressed with you brave ones. I had to laugh back then so I wouldn't cry. Sending love."

Affleck apologised for his behaviour hours later with people branding him a 'hypocrite' for calling out Weinstein.

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Hilarie's former co-star Sophia Bush also showed her support by tweeting a powerful message and highlighting the abuse of power in many industries.

PHOTO: FILE

This. The cutlure of abuse -- in MANY industries -- and fear of what will happen to you if you say something, breeds trauma and silence. https://t.co/kI4tp7HgIp

— Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) October 10, 2017

All these incidents resurfacing make one ponder upon Sophia's statement; How do you triumph over the "culture of abuse"?

PHOTO: INDEPENDENT

Harvey was blamed for sexually harassing several women including Hollywood bigwigs such as Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow.

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