William Shatner criticises ‘hysterical’ Me Too movement: ‘Women use it as a weapon’

The Star Trek actor compared it to the French Revolution

Star Trek actor William Shatner has received widespread criticism for his comments on #MeToo, stating there are women who use it “as a weapon”.

The 87-year-old was speaking to DailyMailTV when he argued that the movement, while progressive, is taking things out of context.

“If you look back at things that were written and said 20, 30 years ago, it’s a different context,” he said. “And you’ve got to judge it by that context. Rape and pillage, absolutely not, those are crimes against humanity. But saying ‘would you make love with me?’ and the opposing party says yes or no, I can’t fathom what’s wrong with that.”

He continued: “It’s like saying would you have dinner, would you like to write a song with me, would you do an interview? I’m not insulted by you asking me to do an interview. Maybe it’s my mindset based on the years I’ve lived, but I’m trying to be fair and I don’t see the problem.”

It was his comments on Twitter following the interview that truly ruffled feathers. Replying to his critics, Shatner expressed the belief that the movement is used by women holding a grudge for disparate reasons.

He wrote: “Women use #MeToo as a weapon when they don’t get an autograph, when they don’t get their way.

“I keep asking who is policing it because there’s a lot using it for their own personal vendettas that have nothing to do with the points of the movement.”

He went onto compare it to the French Revolution because “it started with trying to right noble injustices and descended into chaos”.

Shatner had earlier praised the movement for exposing “hidden forces” of sexual harassment in the industry, but expressed the belief that “firebrands” who have led the charge should let “business-like people” take over.

Shatner added: “I’ve got three daughters and I’m glad that they have more opportunity. At the same time, it’s become hysterical. It’s a whole new culture. The whole business has changed. The whole man-woman relationship has changed to a severe degree.”