In a video statement released on Sunday, Andrew Callaghan, an independent filmmaker and media personality known for his comedic man-on-the-street interviews on YouTube and his HBO documentary
“This Place Rules,” addresses recent allegations of sexual misconduct. I
n the nearly five-minute video, Callaghan expresses remorse for his actions and announces his plans to seek professional treatment in order to address his previous behavior.
“I apologize for my silence in the wake of these allegations. When they first came to light, I was in a state of denial and shock,” Callaghan said in the video. “I was denounced by my closest collaborators and my name was printed in 40 different news outlets, next to the words ‘sexual misconduct.’ My mental health suffered as a result. But I realize now that this is not about me, it’s about the people I’ve affected. I want to express my complete sympathy, support, and respect for anyone I have wronged. I am committed to doing better and taking full responsibility for my actions.”
In January, Caroline Elise accused Callaghan of staying at her house and pressuring her to have sex. “It’s hard to relive the trauma I endured every day by seeing this man, who presents himself as a social justice warrior and someone who cares about human rights, getting a platform,” Elise said in a TikTok video. “You shouldn’t be supporting him.” Another woman, Dana, also came forward, alleging that Callaghan had pressured her into having sex despite her repeated requests for him to stop.
“I’ve always taken ‘no’ for an answer, as far as consent. I’ve never overstepped that line. But I think I want to have a more nuanced and important conversation about power dynamics, pressure and coercion,” Callaghan says in the new video. “For a long time, I was behaving in a way that I actually thought was normal. I thought that going home from the bar alone made you a loser. I thought that persistence was a form of flattery… I want to be fully responsible for not having a fluid understanding of consent.”
Callaghan’s video concludes with an apology to his collaborators and friends: “You guys don’t deserve this and I love you guys. That said, If you never want to watch Channel 5 again, I understand.”