Dustin Hoffman admits his longtime habit of flirting with women may have crossed boundaries, but the Hollywood legend continues to dispute sexual misconduct allegations made against him.
The 89-year-old actor discusses the controversy in his new memoir, Look at Me, is out now.
Reflecting on the accusations that emerged in 2017, Hoffman admits that his sense of humor and behavior weren’t always appropriate.
“I’m sure it’s true that in my life, especially forty years ago, I made some women uncomfortable,” he writes.
Six women previously accused the Tootsie star of misconduct, including sexual harassment and assault. Hoffman apologized to one accuser, while his attorney denied assault allegations involving two others.
In his memoir, Hoffman explains that he initially supported the #MeToo movement but struggled when allegations surfaced about him.
“The whole thing was so crazy, I was sort of bewildered by how to defend myself… or if I should even try,” he writes.
He also credits Lisa, his wife since 1980, with helping him recognize how his actions might be received.
“I’m not looking to humiliate or offend anybody,” Hoffman writes. “I’m not a person who gets off on having power, or pressuring people to do things.”
Looking back, Hoffman realizes that he may not have always considered other people’s feelings.
“Is it possible that I’ve been guilty of insufficient empathy?” he asks. “Sure. Of course.”
Hoffman was never criminally charged in connection with the allegations.