Armie Hammer Addresses Cannibalism Allegations and Past Behavior in Recent Interview

In a recent episode of The Louis Theroux Podcast, actor Armie Hammer found himself at the center of a heated conversation as he addressed the controversial allegations that have plagued his career in recent years. The discussion kicked off with a blunt question from Theroux: “Are you a cannibal?” Hammer’s response was equally straightforward: “You know what you have to do to actually be a cannibal? You have to actually eat human flesh. So no.” This exchange set the tone for a candid, albeit uncomfortable, conversation that delved into the actor’s personal life, his past behaviors, and the fallout that has followed.

Denying Cannibalism but Admitting to Poor Behavior

The allegations against Hammer first surfaced in 2021 when multiple women came forward, accusing him of sexual abuse and describing cannibalistic fantasies he had shared with them. While Hammer has consistently denied these claims, he acknowledged that his behavior in relationships has been far from perfect. He admitted to being “selfish” and using people to feed his ego, comparing them to drugs. “People were sort of like my bags of dope with skin on them,” he told Theroux, explaining how he would often engage in whirlwind romances, only to discard his partners afterward. “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.’” Hammer’s honesty about his past actions was unflinching, but he was quick to clarify that his behavior, while hurtful, was not illegal. “Does it make me a dick? Absolutely. I have no problem admitting that. I was a dick. That’s not illegal,” he said.

The Fallout and Career Consequences

Despite his denials, the allegations have had a significant impact on Hammer’s career. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office declined to pursue sexual assault charges against him in 2023 due to insufficient evidence, but the damage was already done. Hammer’s reputation took a hit, and he found himself at the center of a media storm. His role in the film industry became tenuous, and he faced widespread public backlash. However, Hammer seems to be taking the situation in stride, acknowledging that his past actions have consequences. “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,” he said. While he may not fully blame himself for the allegations, he does take responsibility for the way he treated his partners.

The Context of the Controversial Messages

One of the most damning pieces of evidence against Hammer has been the messages he allegedly sent to women, detailing cannibalistic fantasies. Hammer has consistently maintained that these messages were taken out of context and only showed “one side of the conversation.” He explained to Theroux that the messages were often part of a larger dialogue, fueled by a combination of alcohol, drugs, and a desire to push boundaries. “Sometimes when you’re involved with a person and you’re dating, and you guys are having sex, and you are a bit of a provocateur and you are exacerbated by alcohol or drugs … it’s fun to ruffle feathers,” Hammer said. He insisted that the messages were never meant to be taken seriously and that he had no intention of acting on the fantasies he described. “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 added. While this explanation may not absolve him of all wrongdoing, it does provide some context for the messages that have been widely scrutinized.

A Bizarre Admission and a Hunting Tradition

In a bizarre twist, Hammer also admitted to participating in a hunting tradition where he bit into the heart of a living animal. He described this as a rite of passage, common among hunters, and emphasized that it was not related to cannibalism or sexual gratification. “It’s sort of like an almost overly-charged male rite of passage when you go hunting for the first time,” he explained. “Everyone that I know who went hunting for their first time had to do something similar.” While this admission may raise eyebrows, Hammer seemed to downplay its significance, framing it as a cultural practice rather than anything more sinister.

Reflections on Growth and Moving Forward

As the conversation drew to a close, Hammer reflected on his personal growth and the lessons he has learned from the past few years. While he may not fully acknowledge the severity of the allegations against him, he does seem to recognize that his behavior has had real consequences. “I have no problem admitting that. I was a dick. That’s not illegal,” he said, acknowledging the pain he may have caused. Whether or not the public is willing to give Hammer another chance remains to be seen, but his willingness to confront his past and take responsibility for his actions is a step in the right direction. In the end, the interview served as a reminder that the line between fantasy and reality can often be blurred, and that the consequences of our actions can be far-reaching. For those affected by similar situations, resources like RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Online Hotline and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s website are available to provide support and assistance.