Armie Hammer has addressed the allegations against him in a recent interview on The Louis Theroux Podcast, where he denied being a "cannibal" or sexually abusing multiple women. However, he admitted to behaving poorly in his past relationships, describing himself as a "dick." The actor has faced widespread scrutiny since 2021, when several women came forward with accusations of emotional and physical abuse, including one who alleged he violently raped her. Hammer has consistently denied these claims, and in 2023, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office declined to file sexual assault charges due to insufficient evidence. Despite the lack of formal charges, the allegations have significantly impacted his career, leading to public backlash and professional setbacks.
During the podcast, Theroux directly asked Hammer about the cannibalism rumors, to which Hammer replied, "You know what you have to do to actually be a cannibal? You have to actually eat human flesh. So no." He further explained that the explicit and graphic messages he allegedly sent to women, which included cannibalistic fantasies, were taken out of context. Hammer described these messages as part of a larger conversation, emphasizing that they were intended to be provocative and playful rather than serious. He acknowledged that his behavior could be perceived as offensive or inappropriate but argued that it was never meant to be acted upon. "Did I ever have any intention of cutting anything off of anyone or eating anything off of anyone? No. That was never really anything that I wanted," he said.
Hammer also reflected on his past behavior in relationships, admitting that he was selfish and often used people to fulfill his own emotional and physical needs. He compared his romantic partners to drugs, stating, "People were sort of like my bags of dope with skin on them." He described his approach to relationships as intense and short-lived, often leaving partners feeling hurt or exploited. "You make me feel amazing, so I’m gonna throw everything into this, and we’re gonna have this whirlwind romance, and I’m gonna whisk you up, and we’re gonna go on trips, and we’re gonna do all this, and then I’m gonna bring you home and go, ‘Thanks so much, that was great,’ and then I’m gonna move on,’” he explained. Hammer acknowledged that this behavior was unacceptable and hurtful, stating, "I left a lot of people in that wake very angry at me for my behavior — which, by the way, was asshole behavior; there’s no way around that."
In addition to addressing the allegations, Hammer shared a controversial anecdote about a hunting trip where he claimed to have bitten into the heart of a living animal as part of a "tradition." He emphasized that this act was not related to cannibalism or sexual gratification but rather a rite of passage among hunters. "It’s sort of like an almost overly-charged male rite of passage when you go hunting for the first time," he explained. While this story has raised eyebrows, Hammer insisted it was not meant to be sensational or tied to the earlier accusations.
The fallout from the allegations has had a lasting impact on Hammer’s career. Once a promising actor with roles in films like Call Me by Your Name and Rebecca, he has faced significant professional consequences, including losing roles and facing public scrutiny. Despite his denials, the accusations have damaged his reputation, and he has struggled to revive his career. Hammer’s situation highlights the challenges of navigating public opinion and the legal system when accusations are made, even without formal charges.
In the podcast, Hammer appeared to take some responsibility for his actions, acknowledging that his behavior was hurtful and selfish. He described himself as a "dick" but emphasized that his actions, while unacceptable, were not illegal. However, his willingness to admit fault has not fully resolved the controversy surrounding him. The situation serves as a reminder of the complexities of accountability, personal growth, and the long-term effects of one’s behavior on others. Hammer’s story also underscores the importance of seeking help and reflection when addressing harmful patterns in relationships. For anyone affected by similar issues, resources like RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Online Hotline or the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s website can provide support and guidance.
