Earlier this month, John Oliver went viral yet again, this time for confronting actor Dustin Hoffman about his various sexual harassment allegations during a panel discussion about the film Wag the Dog.
Speaking with The Russell Howard Hour, Oliver expressed some disappointment with how things unfolded. "It wasn't ideal but it became such a big story — but it became about my questions rather than his answers," he said. "The questions weren't particularly remarkable, but his answers were… not great."
Despite his concerns, however, the gesture meant a lot to Hoffman's accusers. Seven of them have written an open letter to thank Oliver for speaking out on their behalf.
"While the questions you asked may not have led to the constructive conversation you hoped for, the fact that you asked them all is what matters most," they wrote. "Many men listen to and believe women when we recount our experiences of sexual harassment and assault. But few men put themselves at risk — socially or professionally — to have uncomfortable conversations with other men."
Read their full open letter below.
Speaking with The Russell Howard Hour, Oliver expressed some disappointment with how things unfolded. "It wasn't ideal but it became such a big story — but it became about my questions rather than his answers," he said. "The questions weren't particularly remarkable, but his answers were… not great."
Despite his concerns, however, the gesture meant a lot to Hoffman's accusers. Seven of them have written an open letter to thank Oliver for speaking out on their behalf.
"While the questions you asked may not have led to the constructive conversation you hoped for, the fact that you asked them all is what matters most," they wrote. "Many men listen to and believe women when we recount our experiences of sexual harassment and assault. But few men put themselves at risk — socially or professionally — to have uncomfortable conversations with other men."
Read their full open letter below.
Thank you @iamjohnoliver for confronting Dustin Hoffman. While the questions you asked may not have led to the constructive conversation you hoped for, the fact that you asked them at all is what matters most. @nykass @corithyme @MelissaKester + 3 others pic.twitter.com/WeenZP5jck
— Anna Graham Hunter (@annaghunter) December 27, 2017