Dustin Hoffman Admits Past Behavior Made Women Uncomfortable in Memoir

Oscar-winning actor Dustin Hoffman, one of Hollywood's greatest legends, has addressed allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct from the peak of the MeToo movement in 2017 for the first time in depth. In his new memoir, "Look at Me", released on Tuesday, the 89-year-old actor admits his past behavior made women feel uncomfortable, but firmly rejects severe accusations, insisting he never forced anyone into unwanted sexual contact.

"I'm sure it's true that during my life, particularly 40 years ago, I made some women feel uncomfortable," Hoffman writes in excerpts published by People magazine. However, he argues that discomfort is subjective, noting that what one person finds offensive, another might find amusing or lively. Hoffman, renowned for his roles in "Kramer vs. Kramer" and "Rain Man", admits to flirting and making off-color jokes, noting it took him years to realize how his humor could be perceived differently.

In 2017, several women accused Hoffman of sexual misconduct dating back decades, involving verbal harassment and unwanted touches. Hoffman apologized to one accuser at the time while denying the more severe claims, and no criminal charges were ever filed. In his book, he reflects on the MeToo movement, stating he initially supported exposing workplace misconduct but felt deeply wronged when allegations were leveled against him, criticizing the public court of opinion.

His wife of decades, Lisa Hoffman, helped him reevaluate his behavior, noting that while she understood his need for attention and crude humor, strangers could easily misinterpret it. Hoffman concludes that while he never intended to demean anyone, he acknowledges a lack of empathy and self-absorption that prevented him from recognizing how others truly felt.