Sharon Stone Defends James Franco Amid Sexual Midconduct Allegations

Sharon Stone, who worked with James Franco on The Disaster Artist, is defending him despite allegations of sexual misconduct that have come to light.

“I’m appalled by this thing about him that is happening” the 60-year-old actress said earlier this month on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast. “Now all of a sudden he’s a bad guy? I worked with him, I know him. … He’s a kind friend, lovely professional. I’m absolutely appalled by this.”

She also referred to James as “the loveliest, kindest, sweetest, elegant, nicest man.”

“I don’t feel like these trials without due process are entirely appropriate. I feel that it’s appropriate that people have to take responsibility for the actions, but I do feel that some due process is in order,” Sharon continnued. “There’s a range of activities. And you can’t charge somebody with a felony over a misdemeanor. There has to be a balance here where this has to be heard in a rational format. So this isn’t just black and white. And it can’t be that every man who doesn’t know what the f— he’s doing in life is a criminal. ‘Cause a lot of men are just stupid.”

Sharon added, “You go out with them, they bring you home for a good-night kiss and they grab your hand and put it on their penis. A 50-year-old man. I don’t think they’re trying to sexually harass me, I think they’re just incredibly stupid and awkward. Like, really? That’s your move? Please don’t ever call me again, because you’re too stupid to date. I don’t think I should ruin your whole life over that but I just think you’re incredibly stupid.”