The latest wave of Sony Pictures leaked e-mails showed unprecedented comments regarding the PBS show "Finding Your Roots," at it appears that Ben Affeck's ancestry was more than met the eye during the broadcast, as it became public that he'd tried to keep his family's dark past as slave-owners out of the show.
A few days back, Food World News first reported on the scandal regarding Ben Affleck's ancestry, as it appeared on WikiLeaks following months' worth of leaked e-mails from major players in the film production company; now, the actor, director and screenwriter has stepped up to talk about what went on and why he tried to keep his family's past secret.
According to Time Magazine, the two-time Oscar winner (for his "Good Will Hunting" screenplay and producing the Best Picture winning film "Argo") finally spoke about the Ben Affleck ancestry controversy this Wednesday, releasing a statement about what had gone down.
Variety reports that Jennifer Garner's husband took to his Facebook page to discuss the Ben Affleck ancestry situation, admitting he had asked that his family's slave-owning past be hidden on "Finding Your Roots" because he was "embarrassed" that someone like that was related to him - which is why he asked the show's host, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (also known as "Skip") to not advertise that particular person in his family tree.
"I regret my initial thoughts that the issue of slavery not be included in the story," wrote the actor on his Facebook page, addressing the Ben Affleck ancestry situation. "We deserve neither credit nor blame for our ancestors and the degree of interest in this story suggests that we are, as a nation, still grappling with the terrible legacy of slavery. It is an examination well worth continuing. I am glad that my story, however indirectly, will contribute to that discussion. While I don't like that the guy is an ancestor, I am happy that aspect of our country's history is being talked about."
The issue, as Affleck states, has been dubbed as censorship after the revelation, and PBS and WNET, the responsible parties for the show, made a joint statement recently to announce they'd be making an internal investigation on the matter to see whether the Hollywood star had "pushed" the show's agenda to keep Ben Affleck ancestry partially hidden.
