Dustin Hoffman Sexually Harassed Me On Set When I Was 17 - A Top US Author Claims

A top US author claims she was sexually harassed by an American actor and a director, Dustin Hoffman, 80, when she was a 17-year-old intern on the set of the movie, Death of a Salesman.

The Graduate star, 80, told a young Hunter he wanted a "hard-boiled egg, and a soft-boiled clitoris" in one of her most damning allegations.

She also alleged he repeatedly asked if she had recently had sex, told Hunter he wanted her breasts for lunch and gave several women on set a keyring carrying the words "Love, Willy".

The author added: "At 49, I understand what Dustin Hoffman did as it fits into the larger pattern of what women experience in Hollywood and everywhere.

"He was a predator, I was a child, and this was sexual harassment."

However, she claims she was reprimanded by her supervisor for making it “an issue.”

She told THR on reflection:

"Yes, he was gross. But he could also be sweet and wanted me to like him. Which I did… Whenever I talk about this, I sense that my listeners want a victim and a villain. And I wish my feelings were as clear as theirs. I would be more comfortable if I felt nothing but revulsion for a man who had power over me and abused it. But I still like watching him onscreen."At 49, I understand what Dustin Hoffman did as it fits into the larger pattern of what women experience in Hollywood and everywhere. He was a predator, I was a child, and this was sexual harassment. As to how it fits into my own pattern, I imagine I'll be figuring that out for years to come."

Double Oscar winner Hoffman, who was 48 at the time, apologised following Hunter's claims, published by Hollywood Reporter. He said;

"I have the utmost respect for women and feel terrible that anything I might have done could have put her in an uncomfortable situation. I am sorry. It is not reflective of who I am.”