The Commuter actor appeared on Irish television program The Late Late Show on Friday (January 12) and was asked about the "revolution" coming out of Hollywood.
He agreed the movement was long overdue, but also compared the volume of accusations to a witch hunt.
"There's some people, famous people, being suddenly accused of touching some girl's knee or something," Neeson said. "And suddenly they're being dropped from their program."
He went on to defend former Minnesota Public Radio host Garrison Keillor despite allegations of "inappropriate behaviour," differentiating his behaviour from the actions of Harvey Weinstein or Kevin Spacey.
Neeson also commented on the allegations against Dustin Hoffman, saying he was "on the fence" about them. "When you're doing a play, and you're with your family — other actors, technicians — you do silly things," he said. "It's childhood stuff."
Ultimately, Neeson agreed that the ongoing movement against sexual harassment was "healthy," and pointed out that it's a discussion that should be happening in every industry.
Watch a clip below, and see the full interview here via RTE.
Liam Neeson on the wave of sexual harassment allegations against high profile men in Hollywood #latelate pic.twitter.com/NzT0rWXf25
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) January 12, 2018
Below, see some Twitter users reactions to Neeson's interview.
Oh Liam, this is not the take https://t.co/l77PI6fgXj
— Dr Helen Ringrow (@HelenRingrow) January 12, 2018
Weird that Liam Neeson, a guy who was in countless movies getting revenge on dudes for hurting the women in his life, thinks women should shut up about the bad things happening to them
— Rhea Butcher 🇵🇷 (@RheaButcher) January 14, 2018
He's right. The movement started off as genuine,now it's become a game for people to see who they can destroy next. The accusations are now all the proof people need. Any boisterous or confidant man who does well with women in the public eye is now a target. #metoo #LiamNeeson https://t.co/S2YNmknasB
— Mark (@MarkTheMighty) January 13, 2018
I'll say it again, not a witch hunt. In a witch hunt, turned out there were no witches. This hunt has a ton of witches - it's more of a misogynist hunt. Which yes...Liam, you too. And men, in general. Misogynist system, we live in it = #youtoo
— RAFAEL CASAL (@RafaelCasal) January 13, 2018
https://t.co/UqcisinazQ
well there goes my respect for him https://t.co/DRidWBabZQ
— Rachel (@Rachelagain) January 12, 2018
As I've said: As the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements gather momentum you will start to see more people, articles, etc, attacking the movements. First Catherine Deneuve, then Andrew Sullivan and now Liam Neeson. So much for "childhood stuff", Liam. https://t.co/td5PTVWlIQ
— Omar Moore (@popcornreel) January 13, 2018
Any #metoo people vilifying Liam Neeson needs a big fucking dose of 'catch yerself on'. That interview was real, honest and true. Target villians not good men or nothing changes #latelate
— Anne Marie O'Connor (@Kitsgirl1) January 13, 2018
Woody Allen is still making movies, Dustin Hoffman is still making movies, Harvey Weinstein isn't in jail, James Franco just won a critics choice award.
— Jade (@JadeBurnam) January 13, 2018
What's a witch hunt is women who lost their jobs, opportunities, housing, and lives for not letting a man cop a feel.
