Henry Cavill is facing backlash over comments he made about dating in the post-#MeToo era in a recent interview with GQ Australia.

" It's very difficult to do that if there are certain rules in place. Because then it's like: 'Well, I don't want to go up and talk to her, because I'm going to be called a rapist or something," he said about flirting.

People think his comments were tone deaf and insensitive and are sounding off on Twitter

On Thursday, Cavill addressed the backlash in a statement issued on Twitter.

Henry Cavill is facing backlash over comments he made about dating in a recent interview with GQ Australia.

In the interview, Cavill spoke about what he loves about dating and relationships.

"There's something wonderful about a man chasing a woman," he said. "There's a traditional approach to that, which is nice. I think a woman should be wooed and chased, but maybe I'm old-fashioned for thinking that."

But the actor said that boundaries have become murkier in the post-#MeToo era.

"It's very difficult to do that if there are certain rules in place. Because then it's like: 'Well, I don't want to go up and talk to her, because I'm going to be called a rapist or something," he said. "So you're like, 'Forget it, I'm going to call an ex-girlfriend instead, and then just go back to a relationship, which never really worked'. But it's way safer than casting myself into the fires of hell, because I'm someone in the public eye, and if I go and flirt with someone, then who knows what's going to happen?"

According to Cavill, there really isn't a "chase" in 2018.

"Now? Now you really can't pursue someone further than, 'No'. It's like, 'OK, cool'. But then there's the, 'Oh why'd you give up?' And it's like, 'Well, because I didn't want to go to jail?'" he told the magazine.

When asked if his past behavior ever crossed the line, Cavill offered this response: "I like to think that I've never been like that. I think any human being alive today, if someone casts too harsh a light on anything, you could be like, 'Well, OK, yeah, when you say it like that, maybe.'"

He continued: "But it's such a delicate and careful thing to say because there's flirting which, for example, in a social environment is in context – and is acceptable. And that has been done to me as well, in return."

People online feel that Cavill's comments are tone deaf — and they're sounding off on Twitter.

—Grace Petrie 100% Official Tweets (@gracepetrie) July 12, 2018

On Thursday, Cavill addressed the backlash in a statement on Twitter issued through manager Dany Garcia.

"Having seen the reaction to an article in particular about my feelings on dating and the # metoo movement, I just wanted to apologize for any confusion and misunderstanding that this may have created," the statement began. "Insensitivity was absolutely not my intention."

"In light of this I would just like to clarify and confirm to all that I have always and will continue to hold women in the highest of regard, no matter the type of relationship whether it be friendship, professional, or a significant other. Never would I intend to disrespect in any way, shape or form. This experience has taught me a valuable lesson as to the context and the nuance of editorial liberties," the statement continued. "I look forward to clarifying my position in the future towards a subject that it so vitally important and in which I wholeheartedly support. - Henry Cavill."

This isn't the first time that the actor has come under fire for comments about relationships. In a 2016 interview with The Sunday Times, Cavill made a joke about "double standards" for catcalling that many people felt was in poor taste.

"I do think there's a bit of a double standard, you know," he said, according to the Independent. "I mean, if a girl shouts something like 'Oi, love, fancy a shag?' to me as I walk past I do sometimes wonder how she'd feel if a builder said that to her. Although, of course, I wouldn't feel physically threatened, as she might."

A representative for Henry Cavill didn't immediately return INSIDER's request for comment.

UPDATE: July 12, 2018: This post was updated to include Henry Cavill's statement.

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