Armie Hammer has given his first interview since being accused of abuse and sexual misconduct.
The Call me by your name star was charged with rape by one woman in 2021 and sexual misconduct by several others.
Hammer was subsequently fired from upcoming projects, including the film Shotgun marriageBroadway play The minutes and TV series The offer.
In an interview with AirmailHammer spoke for the first time since the claims were made against him, alleging he was sexually assaulted as a child and describing a recent suicide attempt.
Hammer denied any criminal wrongdoing, but admitted to being “emotionally abusive” and mistreating people.
He also shared direct messages from one of his accusers and confirmed that he is now sober after being treated in rehab in May 2021.
Hammer alleged that he was sexually assaulted at the age of 13 by a youth pastor, which resulted in his interest in BDSM and extreme sexual power dynamics.
“What that did for me was it introduced sexuality into my life in a way that I had absolutely no control over it. I was helpless in the situation,” he said. “I had no agency in the situation. Sexuality was introduced to me in a scary way that I had no control over. My interests then turned to: I want to be in control of the situation, sexually.”
The actor also described an attempted suicide following the abuse allegations against him. “I just walked into the ocean and swam as far as I could and hoped I drowned, or got hit by a boat, or got eaten by a shark,” he said.
“That’s when I realized my kids were still ashore and I couldn’t do that to my kids.”
In the piece, Hammer gives direct messages to dispute allegations made by Efrosina Angelova, who claimed they had been in a relationship for years while Hammer was married, and that he had sexually assaulted her. (Hammer is now divorced.)
According to Hammer, the sexual encounter she referred to was a “consensual scene without consent”.
“She planned out all the details, right down to which Starbucks I would see her at, how I would follow her home, how her front door would be open and unlocked and I would come in, and we would deal with what is called a ‘consensual non-consent scene,” CNC,” he claimed.
“Everything was discussed in advance. I’ve never forced this on anyone unexpectedly. Never.”
The actor continued: “I’m here to admit my mistakes, to take responsibility for being an asshole, for being selfish, for using people to make me feel better, and when I was done, I went I continue.
“I am now a healthier, happier and more balanced person. I can be there for my kids in a way I never was. I’m really thankful for my life and my recovery and everything. I wouldn’t go back and undo everything that happened to me.”
If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, you can contact your nearest Rape Crisis organization for specialist, independent and confidential support. For more information, visit their website here.
If you experience feelings of fear and isolation, or have difficulty coping, the Samaritans offers support; you can talk to someone free of charge on the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find out more about your nearest branch.
If you live in the US and you or someone you know is currently in need of mental health care, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.