Amid reports Asia Argento paid a $380K settlement to actor Jimmy Bennett after sexual assault claims, CNN has pulled "Parts Unknown" episodes featuring the 42-year-old Italian actress, BuzzFeed News reported.
Bennett had accused the actress of sexual assault when he was just 17 and she was 37, according to the report.
Argento, dating Anthony Bourdain at the time of his death, appeared in two episodes and directed another, each of which are no longer available on CNN's streaming service.
"In light of the recent news reports about Asia Argento, CNN will discontinue airing past episodes of 'Parts Unknown' that included her, until further notice," a spokesperson confirmed to BuzzFeed News.
Another episode detailing Bourdain's depression therapy was also pulled by the cable network.
While Argento had denied ever having "any sexual relationship" with Bennett, she reportedly acknowledged the payment, saying Bennett had "severe economic problems" and "made an exorbitant request of money from me," per the report.
Additionally, Bourdain "personally undertook to help Bennett economically . . . afraid of the possible negative publicity that such a person, whom he considered dangerous, could have brought upon us," Argento claimed, per BuzzFeed.
Argento was among those who had accused Harvey Weinstein of rape, making her a one-time face of the #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct.
"I've said repeatedly that the #metooMVMT is for all of us, including these brave young men who are now coming forward," #MeToo founder Tarana Burke tweeted Aug. 20. "It will continue to be jarring when we hear the names of some of our faves connected to sexual violence unless we shift from talking about individuals . . .
"And begin to talk about power," an ensuing tweet continued.
"Sexual violence is about power and privilege. That doesn't change if the perpetrator is your favorite actress, activist, or professor of any gender. And we won't shift the culture unless we get serious about shifting these false narratives."
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