Ben Affleck challenged directly over alleged sexual assault during Colbert interview

Ben Affleck - pressed over his alleged groping of an actress almost 15 years ago - has claimed he had no “sense of the scope of the problem” of sexual abuse and harassment.

Talking about the broader issue of sexual harassment since allegations were levelled at movie producer Harvey Weinstein, the actor said men had to do more to stop the problem they were responsible for.

“I thought I had a sense of the scope of the problem and I thought I understood it, and the truth is I really didn’t,” said the 45-year-old.

“It’s just the kind of thing we have to, as men, as we become more aware of this, be really, really mindful of our behaviour and hold ourselves accountable and say ‘If I was ever part of the problem, I want to change. I want to be part of the solution’.”

He added: “And to not shy away from these uncomfortable or awkward or strange encounters that we might have had.”

Affleck, who worked with Weinstein on a number of movies, was appearing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He was asked about his own alleged harassment of actress Hilarie Burton, who accused him of groping her during a 2003 appearance on MTV’s Total Request Live.

“What I was accused of by a woman was of touching her breast while I gave her a hug. I don’t remember it, but I absolutely apologised for it. I certainly don’t think she’s lying or making it up.”

Affleck, who worked with Weinstein on Good Will Hunting, the film that kick-started his and Matt Damon’ careers, said his association with the former Miramax boss had now been “tainted”.

“It was awful to see the extent of these terrible crimes. I haven’t worked for Harvey for more than 15 years,” he said.

Affleck said said he was intending to donate the residuals from Weinstein-backed movies - which includes Oscar-winning Shakespeare In Love - to Film Independent or women’s organisation RAINN.

“Part of this, for me, has been listening to people I really care about and love as they tell me stories of stuff that has happened to them -this is men and women - and recognising that it's a real thing,” he said.

“I’m not a spokesman, I'm not a superhero, I can’t change it by myself. I can just be accountable for myself and for my actions.”

Weinstein has been accused of sexual assault, including rape, by numerous women and is being investigated by police in London, New York, Los Angeles and the FBI. He has denied all the allegations.