Not much has come of the sexual misconduct allegations against Dustin Hoffman to this point. Two women came forward to accuse the actor in early November. While many others have been completely tarnished or fired due to allegations, Hoffman has seemed to remain unscathed. John Oliver reportedly noticed this and decided to bring up on Monday night during a 20th Anniversary screening of Wag The Dog at 92Y’s Kaufmann Concert Hall in New York.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Oliver brought up the recent sexual harassment allegations against Hoffman during the pre-film panel and the legendary actor reportedly became visibly uncomfortable to those in attendance:
A testy back and forth followed whereupon Hoffman said to Oliver “you weren’t there” and the Last Week Tonight host replying “I’m happy I wasn’t” according to Zeitchik.
Several minutes later, Hoffman returned to the topic and accused Oliver of not keeping an “open mind” and “unquestionably believing accusers.”
Many, including the Washington Post’s Steve Zeitchik, highlighted the back-and-forth on Twitter, with some in attendance even reportedly taking video.
John Oliver just went after Dustin Hoffman big time on sexual harassment at this Wag The Dog panel. Hoffman grew visibly uncomfortable. "You weren't there," he says to Oliver. "I'm happy I wasn't," Oliver replied.
— Steven Zeitchik (@zeitchikWaPo) December 5, 2017
All hell has now broken loose on this Wag The Dog panel. The subject seemed over after seven minutes but Hoffman brought it up again, saying Oliver is not keeping an "open mind" and is unquestionably believing accusers, and a testy five minutes followed.
— Steven Zeitchik (@zeitchikWaPo) December 5, 2017
And now the _ audience _ is arguing volubly back and forth about whether Hoffman is upstanding and Oliver should be asking the questions. Not sure I've ever seen anything like it at a screening panel.
— Steven Zeitchik (@zeitchikWaPo) December 5, 2017
Oliver just asked people to stop recording his argument with Hoffman on their phone. "That's what I hate about the Internet." But i mean, isn't that why he brought it up? To have a public conversation?
— Steven Zeitchik (@zeitchikWaPo) December 5, 2017
Oliver cited Hoffman's response to an accuser that his behavior on set was "not reflective" of who Hoffman is. "It's that kind of statement that pisses me off," Oliver said. "It's 'not reflective of who I am.' But it IS reflective of who you were."
— Steven Zeitchik (@zeitchikWaPo) December 5, 2017
Others confirmed the incident on their own accounts, with CBS’ Laura Podesta sharing this photo of the “calm before the storm.”
This photo was taken before #92Y panel discussion got v heated; John Oliver asked Dustin Hoffman about the sexual assault allegations against him… Hoffman denied knowing the woman. pic.twitter.com/xihbNt50fM
— Laura Podesta (@LauraPodestaTV) December 5, 2017
“You’ve made this incredible assumption about me, sir.” Hoffman said to Oliver. Oliver says it’s something he had to bring it up before we watch the film #wagthedog
— Laura Podesta (@LauraPodestaTV) December 5, 2017
Despite the reports of those in attendance taking video, none has surfaced at this point. Hoffman is one of the many high-profile names to be named in the growing number of allegations of sexual misconduct in various industries. The actor has denied the allegations against him and claims to not remember.
(Via The Hollywood Reporter)