Armie Hammer has opened up about the allegations that derailed his career in Hollywood, saying that he’s now “grateful” for everything he went through over the past three years.

During an interview on the “Painful Lessons” podcast, Hammer reflected on the cannibalism accusations surrounding him in 2021, calling the situation “hilarious.”

“People called me a cannibal, and everyone believed them. They’re like, ‘Yep, that guy ate people,’” Hammer said with a laugh. “Like what? What are you talking about? Do you know what you have to do to be a cannibal? You have to eat people! How am I going to be a cannibal?! It was bizarre.”

Hammer was accused in 2021 of sexual abuse and improper behavior by multiple women; private messages he allegedly sent to women about his cannibalistic fantasies and sexual fetishes were also leaked online. In the wake of the scandal, Hammer was dropped by his agency, WME, and exited several projects, including the Paramount+ series “The Offer” and Jennifer Lopez’s “Shotgun Wedding.”

“Even in the discrepancies, in whatever it was that people said, whatever it was that happened, I’m now at a place in my life where I’m grateful for every single bit of it,” Hammer said on the podcast.

The “Call Me by Your Name” actor added that he “never knew how to give myself love” or “self-validation” prior to the allegations, because he “had this job where I was able to get it from so many people.”

“I’m actually now at a place where I’m really grateful for it because where I was in my life before all of that stuff happened to me,” Hammer said. “I didn’t feel good. I never felt satisfied, I never had enough. I never was in a place where I was happy with myself — where I had self-esteem.”

Hammer said the accusations caused “an ego death, a career death,” and he ultimately joined a 12-step program.

“It’s almost like a neutron bomb went off in my life,” he said. “It killed me, it killed my ego, it killed all the people around me that I thought were my friends that weren’t — all of those people, in a flash, went away. But the buildings were still standing. I’m still here, I still have my health, and I’m really grateful for that.”

At the end of the podcast, Hammer admitted that his career as an actor is “nowhere” because he’s “not a viable commodity” for the “Hollywood system.” However, he’s making his “own sandbox” as an artist by writing a script with a friend.

Hammer also shared more about his personal journey during the podcast. He revealed that the fallout from the allegations forced him to confront his inner demons and embark on a path of self-discovery and healing. Joining a 12-step program was a pivotal decision that helped him gain a new perspective on life and his place within it.

Hammer’s comments on the podcast come after a period of intense public scrutiny and personal upheaval. His candidness about the allegations and their impact on his life marks a significant moment in his ongoing effort to rebuild and move forward.

The actor’s openness about his struggles and the lessons he has learned may resonate with others facing similar challenges. Hammer’s acknowledgment of his past mistakes and his determination to create a new path for himself underscore his resilience and commitment to personal growth.

While his future in Hollywood remains uncertain, Hammer’s focus on new creative endeavors and his dedication to personal healing suggest that he is determined to find a new direction, both professionally and personally.

Hammer's revelation of how deeply the scandal impacted him sheds light on the human side of public figures often obscured by their celebrity status. His admission of feeling lost and unfulfilled, despite external success, highlights a common struggle many face regardless of their professional achievements. His journey through recovery and self-discovery serves as a reminder that personal growth and fulfillment often come from overcoming life's most challenging moments.

As Hammer continues to navigate his path forward, he remains optimistic about his future outside the traditional Hollywood system. By creating new opportunities and projects on his own terms, he hopes to redefine his career and life in ways that align more closely with his values and aspirations. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, self-reflection, and the ongoing pursuit of personal and professional redemption.