Lest we forget in this thread that Brie herself hasn't actually said anything on this topic.
They are Brie's words. As in, she has said nothing at all! Brie herself could mean by this "I hate Casey Affleck's guts. Why did I have to present him with all these awards? It was torture. I protested in the only way Hollywood allowed." Or she could mean "Watch the show: I smiled, hugged and congratulated him. That's what I think and if you forced me to say it, that's what I'd tell you. But why should I have to tell you what I think about Casey Affleck. I am happy for you to think whatever you want to. In fact as long as my career is doing well enough, why would I care what you think I think of anyone?" Variety (and other media outlets) have put out the article as if Brie is full of protest. And she probably is. But much of the media has that agenda so they can give that impression whatever. We haven't heard Brie say a word of her actual opinion, really. If she was at all happy for Casey she would surely have made a comment to the effect as she must know what has been written about the situation, but if she were indifferent, she might prefer to let us think as we please - she's getting great media coverage and support for what folks have perceived.
Other actors at the Oscars performed in similar ways to Brie, including the others nominated in his category and the others who won. They weren't saying anything per se, but they weren't subtle about it at all.
I agree that we live in a world where public opinion matters. A situation such as Casey's for better or worse would not have been so big news not so many years ago. In fact it is crazy the power the public potentially has. Nationwide riots have begun through twitter. And yet no country can seem to use this power to help form government to make their country or the world a better place to live in somehow. Says something about the flaws in humans, I imagine... Anyway, I digress. The media is predominatly Anti-Affleck, and the people in the room must almost all know that, whether or not it influences anyone.
Did many people express anything against Affleck really though? If so, who? I haven't compared the reaction to Casey's win to anyone other than Emma Stone and that was only as I read an article which mentioned how Leo hadn't applauded Emma. But Casey got a lot more applause and cheers than Emma did. Is that an audience who is generally against him/cares what the media say? I mean, a large proportion of people in that room must have had some negative experiences with media. And of course, The Academy supported Casey enough that he got the Oscar.
As for reporting of the event, there have been stupid things written. Screenshots of Ryan (can you imagine him being mean to anyone?) Gosling suggesting he was unhappy over Casey winning where they use a screenshot of Ryan's reaction to his own nomination clip. Analysis of every female audience member - taking freeze framed snapshots as proof of vitriol. Well, I can't say I have looked at the audience in general to see how anyone reacted, but I am sure not all of the things people have inferred are remotely related to what those in the audience actually thought and felt of Affleck/his win.
As for Denzel Washington, people said he was angry Casey mentioned him in his speech. I actually think with Denzel we got a fascinating insight into what it is to be nominated for an Oscar. The etiquette for nominees is to put on a face and you need only rewatch the reactions of all the other nominees to see them all do their best "Who, me?! haha! As if! Little old me! Look at that idiot up there on the screen, LOL!" face as their nomination clips are played. Not Denzel. His face was set, eyes down before even his nomination clip was played. He couldn't dampen down his emotion to do the "nominee face" when his clip was played. He couldn't even make himself look at the camera. He wanted that Oscar and he wanted it bad. How much for himself and how much through hatred of Casey (if he hates Casey, his wife did not appear to) who knows, but whatever the reason - Denzel didn't bother to do any of the actings. He let his all of his emotions and his pure desire for that gold statuette emanate from his pores. He wanted it, and when he didn't get it, boy was he disappointed.
Other than Denzel though, which if it is related to Casey, apparently Denzel was able to have a conversation with the guy fine enough earlier on that day, but cannot cover up what an abomination he thinks Affleck is in front of cameras... I'm not sure I agree about the audience or nominees overall. Media and twitter have suggested the entire audience were anti-Affleck but that's not what I saw or felt. I felt most of them seemed very happy about his win.
Anyway, I guess I understand Brie's reticence over the issue now. She has literally not uttered a word about it that we have actually heard, yet all these opinions and all this analysis, hahaha! And SO many articles! Imagine if she gave an actual comment!