John Oliver says he 'tried and failed' in Dustin Hoffman confrontation

(Oliver served as moderator.)

Hoffmans discomfort was quickly visible, as was Olivers dissatisfaction with his answers.

It felt unavoidable and that we had to have a discussion about it, Oliver explained.

The questions werent particularly remarkable, but his answers were … not great.

That was the point of it.

But it didnt really go anywhere constructive, so the whole thing just made me feel sad.

Wendy Riss Gatsiounis, a producer, subsequentlytoldVarietythat the actor propositioned her during a meeting in 1991.

It is not reflective of who I am.

Oliver explained to Howard that he had planned to confront Hoffman.

I said, If he is going to be there, I have to ask him about this.

Then when he confirmed, I said, I am going to ask him.

So it was a collision course was set at that point.

Through his attorney, Hoffman called the allegations described inVarietydefamatory falsehoods.