Armie Hammer opens up about scandal that led to Hollywood exile

Armie Hammer reflected on the collapse of his career following abuse allegations, saying he felt there was “nothing” he could do to change public perception during the height of the scandal.

As per Page Six, He compared his Hollywood downfall to being crucified as he reflected on the fallout from allegations that derailed his career and public image.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, the Call Me by Your Name actor recalled how he responded when his father urged him to fight back against accusations that emerged in 2021.

“I said, ‘Look, dude, I’m already on the cross. The nails are in my hands. I’m not getting off this cross no matter what we do,’” Hammer said, recalling a conversation with his father, Michael Hammer.

“And the more I struggle, the longer I’m going to be up here.”

Armie Hammer Reflects on Career Collapse

Hammer became the subject of intense scrutiny after allegations of sexual assault surfaced alongside leaked messages that appeared to describe fantasies involving rape, violence and cannibalism.

A former girlfriend accused the actor of sexually assaulting her in 2017, allegations Hammer has denied. The controversy led to his removal from multiple projects and effectively ended his Hollywood career.

In 2023, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced it would not file criminal charges, citing insufficient evidence to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.

Hammer told The Hollywood Reporter that he eventually stopped obsessing over public reaction to the scandal.

“There was a period where I was obsessively reading what people were saying,” he said.

“And then it hit critical mass, and I thought: There is no nutritional value in this for me. This is almost not even the real world.”

The actor said he instead chose to focus on his children, his health and personal growth.

“I realized I could just focus on myself and my kids and staying healthy and growing as a person,” he said. “You can make that your purpose.”

Actor Says He Takes Responsibility for His Actions

While denying the allegations against him, Hammer acknowledged that his own behaviour contributed to the situation.

“I made these problems for myself. This didn’t happen to me by a fluke accident,” he said.

“I didn’t do what people are saying I did. But I brought very dangerous and unsafe people into my life, and I p---d off people in my life — and here we are.”

Hammer also reflected on his mindset before the scandal erupted, suggesting he was not in a healthy place personally.

“Healthy people don’t act the way I was acting,” he said.

“I would have loved if I could have had an opportunity to do it in a little bit more of a gentle way. But at the end of the day — you get what you get.”

The actor’s comments come as he continues attempting to rebuild his career years after the allegations led to his professional exile.

Hammer’s divorce from television personality Elizabeth Chambers was finalised in 2023, three years after she filed to end their marriage.