Armie Hammer has over the years been in several scandals and minor controversies. However, the one which broke the camel's back was when the actor was accused of cannibalism and extreme BDSM fantasies.
In January 2021, numerous women came forward with allegations of misconduct, sharing alleged messages from the star centered around BDSM and cannibalistic fantasies.
While sexting can't be done without a heavy dose of dirty talks, what surprised fans was the nature of actor's messages in the alleged conversations which included talk of rape fantasies, the desire to inflict pain on his partners, and one in which the actor reportedly said he was “100% a cannibal.”
Following the allegations, which Hammer constantly denied, In early February, sources confirmed to PEOPLE that Hammer was dropped by his talent agency, William Morris Endeavor. Hammer's publicist also stepped away, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
No official statement was given by WME at the time regarding the reason why the actor was dropped however, many fans specaluated the allegations as the reason for their sudden change.
Things further went downhill for Hammer when during a press conference held on March 18, 2021, Effie, the woman behind the Instagram account House of Effie which was the first to share her sex chat with the actor to the public futher accused the actor of sexual assault during a four-hour incident that she said occurred in 2017.
Effie, who chose to keep her legal name private during the conference, further accused Hammer of "mentally, emotionally and sexually" abusing her during their on-and-off four-year relationship.
In a statement provided to PEOPLE, Hammer's lawyer Andrew Brettler denied the rape allegation and maintained that the actor's relationship with Effie was "completely consensual, discussed and agreed upon in advance, and mutually participatory."
The news of these allegations devastated Hammer’s career as he had to exist several projects including Shotgun wedding.
Also Read : A Breakdown of Armie Hammer's Cannibalism and Abuse Controversy
In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, the actor said, "I'm not responding to these bull— claims but in light of the vicious and spurious online attacks against me, I cannot in good conscience now leave my children for 4 months to shoot a film in the Dominican Republic. Lionsgate is supporting me in this and I'm grateful to them for that,"
A Liongates production spokesman futher confirmed the actor’s statement and told PEOPLE, "Given the imminent start date of Shotgun Wedding, Armie has requested to step away from the film and we support him in his decision."
Despite constantly denying the allegations, Armie Hammer never openly divulged his side of the story until almost two years later. In an interview with Air Mail, Hammer denied any criminal wrongdoing, though he admits he was emotionally abusive toward the victims.
Also Read : Armie Hammer Speaks on Cannibalism and Sexual Abuse Controversy, Says He Was Molested by Pastor at Young Age
“I’m here to own my mistakes, take accountability for the fact that I was an asshole, that I was selfish, that I used people to make me feel better, and when I was done, moved on,” Hammer told the outlet. “I’m now a healthier, happier, more balanced person. I’m able to be there for my kids in a way I never was. I’m truly grateful for my life and my recovery and everything. I would not go back and undo everything that’s happened to me.”
Speaking on the alleged rape and sexual assault allegations by Effie, whose real name is Efrosina Angelova, Hammer maintains that Angelova was in agreement with the sexual fantasies that played out between them.
He stated: She planned all of the details out, all the way down to what Starbucks I would see her at, how I would follow her home, how her front door would be open and unlocked and I would come in, and we would engage in what is called a consensual non-consent scene (CNC). Every single thing was discussed beforehand. I have never thrust this on someone unexpectedly. Never.
Elsewhere in his conversation with writer James Kirchick, Hammer spoke about being molested by a youth pastor when he was 13.
Stating that he was introduced to sexuality in a way that took power away from him, hence why he wanted to be in control of any sexual relationship he found himself in.
The actor futher revealed he attempted suicide while swimming in the Cayman Islands in February 2021, shortly after the allegations against him surfaced but changed his mind because he couldn’t bring pain to his children.
As for what’s going on in his life currently, Hammer is trying to be a better person for his children’s sake and is also working to be a role model that others could look up to.
Also Read : We’re All Missing the Point of the Armie Hammer Cannibalism Scandal