Henry Cavill apologizes for 'rapist' comments about flirting: 'Insensitivity was absolutely not my intention'

Cast member Henry Cavill arrives for the world premiere of the film "Man of Steel" in New York June 10, 2013. (Reuters)

Henry Cavill might have taken his comments about the #MeToo movement a tad too far, so now he’s walking back.

The “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” star told GQ Australia that the #MeToo movement has made him afraid to flirt with women, and his comments didn’t sit well with the internet.

“It’s very difficult to do that if there are certain rules in place. Because then it’s like: ‘Well, I don’t want to go up and talk to her, because I’m going to be called a rapist or something.’ So you’re like, ‘Forget it, I’m going to call an ex-girlfriend instead, and then just go back to a relationship, which never really worked,’” he told the magazine.

“But it’s way safer than casting myself into the fires of hell, because I’m someone in the public eye, and if I go and flirt with someone, then who knows what’s going to happen?”

Cavill’s comments spurred severe backlash online, which prompted him to issue an apology.

“Having seen the reaction to an article in particular about my feelings on dating and the #metoo movement, I just wanted to apologize for any confusion and misunderstanding that this may have created,” he told Page Six in a statement Thursday.

“Insensitivity was absolutely not my intention. In light of this I would just like to clarify and confirm to all that I have always and will continue to hold women in the highest of regard, no matter the type of relationship, whether it be friendship, professional, or a significant other.

“Never would I intend to disrespect in any way, shape or form,” his statement continued. “This experience has taught me a valuable lesson as to the context and the nuance of editorial liberties. I look forward to clarifying my position in the future towards a subject that is so vitally important and in which I wholeheartedly support.”

This article originally appeared on Page Six.