Henry Cavill, the British actor best known for his iconic roles as Superman in the DC Extended Universe and Geralt of Rivia in Netflix’s The Witcher, has always been open about his personal views and experiences. While he’s enjoyed a successful career and a devoted fanbase, certain instances of strong frustration or dislike have stirred public discussion, especially in interviews where Cavill explicitly expressed his grievances. Among these, one moment stands out as the most notable and controversial—his comments regarding the #MeToo movement in 2018.

This article takes a closer look at Cavill’s most famous “hate,” analyzing his public statements, the backlash they generated, and the ongoing impact on his public image.

Cavill’s Dislikes Over the Years: A Pattern of Personal Frustration

Cavill’s expressions of dislike are not limited to one instance or category. They span personal comfort, professional boundaries, and social interactions. Throughout interviews between 2013 and 2024, Cavill’s frustrations have been shared in various contexts, including his career as an actor and his interactions with the media and public.

Date
Context
Dislike/Frustration
Source

June 2013
Refusing to take photos in Superman costume
Dislikes photos of himself in costume being posted online, fearing career damage (“there goes my career”)
YouTube clip

March 2016
Discussing travel comfort
Dislikes economy travel, especially to New Zealand (“it sucks”)
Interview context

March 2016
Response to sexual harassment politics
Dislikes disrespect towards his girlfriend (“really gets my goat”)
The Times article

July 2018
Comments on #MeToo movement
Dislikes the risk of being labeled a rapist for flirting (“fires of hell”)
Telegraph apology

The Most Notable “Hate”: The #MeToo Movement Comments

Arguably, the most public and discussed instance of Cavill expressing strong dislike came in July 2018, when he made controversial comments about dating in the wake of the #MeToo movement. In an interview with GQ Australia, Cavill stated, “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.’” His remark suggested frustration with the social climate surrounding dating and interactions between men and women, specifically the fear of being misunderstood or accused of inappropriate behavior.

This statement quickly went viral and sparked widespread backlash, with critics accusing him of not understanding the seriousness of the issues at hand. The response was swift, with many arguing that Cavill’s comments undermined the core principles of the #MeToo movement. As a result, Cavill issued a public apology, stating that his remarks were made without consideration for the sensitivities of the topic. He clarified, saying, “Having seen the reaction to an article, in particular about my feelings on dating and the #MeToo movement, I just wanted to apologise for any confusion and misunderstanding that this may have created. Insensitivity was absolutely not my intention.”

The Aftermath and Public Perception

The reaction to Cavill’s #MeToo comments was complex. While many immediately criticized the actor for his lack of awareness, others pointed out that his apology and subsequent clarifications revealed a genuine attempt to understand the controversy. In interviews following the backlash, Cavill took the opportunity to express a more nuanced perspective on dating in the modern age, acknowledging that the landscape had shifted and that it was important to approach these conversations with greater sensitivity.

However, the episode had a lasting impact on his public image. The controversy revealed the challenges faced by public figures, especially when addressing sensitive social issues. For Cavill, the incident underscored how easily personal frustration can be misinterpreted when discussing highly charged topics like gender relations and the #MeToo movement. The incident also highlighted the tension between personal expression and public expectations, especially for someone in Cavill’s position, whose words can carry significant weight.

Other Instances of Cavill’s Dislike

While the #MeToo comments are the most prominent, Cavill has also expressed frustration in other areas. In June 2013, he made headlines for his dislike of fans and media posting photos of him in his Superman costume, fearing it could damage his career. He said, “There goes my career” when discussing the online sharing of these images, reflecting his desire to maintain a professional boundary between his public persona and personal life.

Additionally, in 2016, Cavill voiced frustration about the discomfort of traveling in economy class, especially on long flights to New Zealand. He jokingly stated, “It sucks, especially if you’re over six feet,” which was a more lighthearted but still relatable grievance.

Cavill has also expressed irritation with the public’s treatment of his relationships, particularly his girlfriend, criticizing the double standards in sexual harassment discussions. He described this as “really getting his goat,” which indicated his sensitivity to the way personal relationships were scrutinized in the media.

Conclusion: The Complexity of Public Life

Henry Cavill’s career is one of extraordinary success, but also one that has been marked by the complexities of public life. His comments about the #MeToo movement in 2018 remain the most infamous example of his frustrations being misunderstood, and while the backlash was swift, his subsequent apology and efforts to clarify his position demonstrated his willingness to learn from the situation.

In analyzing his dislikes over the years, it becomes clear that Cavill’s grievances are not just about personal comfort or professional boundaries—they are shaped by the pressures of living in the public eye. The challenge, as evidenced by his #MeToo comments, is balancing personal frustrations with an understanding of the broader social implications of public statements. For Cavill, the experience has been a reminder of the power of words and the responsibility that comes with fame.