Lena Dunham's dramatic apology: 'I am so sorry'

Lena Dunham says she regrets trying to defend a Girls writer accused of assault. Photo/Getty

Lena Dunham is sorry for defending a Girls writer who was accused of sexual assault.

After Murray Miller was accused of assaulting actress Aurora Perrineau when she was just 17, Dunham and Girls co-creator Jenni Konner issued a statement supporting their friend.

They claimed the allegations were "one of the three per cent of assault cases that are misreported every year".

They said: "During the windfall of deeply necessary accusations over the last few months in Hollywood, we have been thrilled to see so many women's voices heard and dark experiences in this industry justified. It's a hugely important time of change and, like every feminist in Hollywood and beyond, we celebrate.

"But during every time of change there are also incidences of the culture, in its enthusiasm and zeal, taking down the wrong targets.

"We believe, having worked closely with him for more than half a decade, that this is the case with Murray Miller. While our first instinct is to listen to every woman's story, our insider knowledge of Murray's situation makes us confident that sadly this accusation is one of the 3 per cent of assault cases that are misreported every year.

"It is a true shame to add to that number, as outside of Hollywood women still struggle to be believed. We stand by Murray and this is all we'll be saying about this issue."

I avoid talking about Lena Dunham because life is too short. However, to deny an alleged sexual assault PUBLICLY, regardless of what “insider info” you have, is careless & selfish. If your friend is innocent, that will be proven. Your public statement hurts survivors.

— Hari Kondabolu (@harikondabolu) November 18, 2017

However, after they were widely slammed for their remarks, Dunahm issued an apology on her Twitter page.

pic.twitter.com/yhC2mvRn1V

— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) November 19, 2017

She said: "I never thought I would issue a statement publically supporting someone accused of sexual assault but I naively believed it was important to share my perspective on my friend's situation as it has transpired behind the scenes over the last few months.

"I now understand that it was absolutely the wrong time to come forward with such a statement and I am so sorry ... Every woman who comes forward deserves to be heard, fully and completely, and our relationship to the accused should not be part of the calculation anyone makes when examining her case.

"Every person and every feminist should be required to hear her. Under patriarchy, 'I believe you' is essential. Until we are all believed, none of us will be believed.

"We apologise to any woman who have been disappointed (sic)."

- Bang! Showbiz