Josh Duhamel Had This To Say To Armie Hammer After Taking His Latest Film Role
Armie Hammer once seemed like he had it all: dashing good looks, a beautiful wife and two adorable kids, and a rising career in Hollywood that was gaining traction with each movie he filmed. That all came crashing down earlier this year after allegations of cannibalism fantasies, rape, sexual assault, and other jaw-dropping claims began to surface from Hammer's ex-girlfriends and casual encounters (via Insider). He has since denied all allegations against him, and is currently under investigation (via CNN).
In January, shortly after Hammer's disturbing alleged DMs about cannibalism fantasies to a woman named Effie came to light, Hammer issued a statement about the allegations and dropped out of the rom-com "Shotgun Wedding," in which he was set to star with Jennifer Lopez. "I'm not responding to these [BS] claims but in light of the vicious and spurious online attacks against me, I cannot in good conscience now leave my children for four months to shoot a film in the Dominican Republic," he said (via Variety). "Lionsgate is supporting me in this and I'm grateful to them for that."
Lionsgate Films echoed Hammer's statement, with a representative for the production adding, "Armie has requested to step away from the film and we support him in his decision."
Josh Duhamel's email to Armie Hammer after replacing him in Shotgun Wedding is surprising
Josh Duhamel, who has starred in notable romantic comedies and dramas like "Safe Haven" opposite Julianne Hough, "Life As We Know It" with Katherine Heigl, and "When in Rome" opposite Kristen Bell (via IMDb), was cast as Hammer's replacement in "Shotgun Wedding" in February (via Entertainment Weekly).
In a recent interview with Man About Town, the 48-year-old actor revealed that he sent Hammer an email about taking over his part, telling the outlet, "I know Armie a little bit, and when I knew I was gonna get the part, I emailed him and said, 'Listen, I know you are going through it right now. I don't like to get roles like this, and I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you and good luck, get through it. He emailed me right back and said thank you, so who knows, hopefully he gets through it."
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).