The actor said he understands why victims often don’t come forward and offered a message of solidarity to women making allegations against producer Harvey Weinstein.
Actor and former football player Terry Crews said he too has experienced sexual misconduct in Hollywood, after a series of women came forward with allegations against producer Harvey Weinstein.
Jordan Strauss / AP
The Brooklyn Nine-Nine star said in a series of tweets Tuesday that he understood why victims hesitated to speak out — and he added the problem goes far beyond Weinstein.
Crews said he was at an event last year with his wife when a Hollywood executive groped him.
Crews did not name the executive, but he described his and his wife's shock at the man's behavior.
Unlike some victims, Crews had the physical power to fight back. But, he said, it wasn't that simple.
"I was going to kick his ass right then — but I thought twice about how the whole thing would appear," Crews tweeted. "'240 lbs. Black Man stomps out Hollywood Honcho' would have been the headline the next day. Only I probably wouldn't have been able to read it because I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN JAIL."
From there, Crews said he sought answers from other people who had worked with the man.
The executive eventually apologized, but he didn't explain his actions, Crews said.
Crews said he let it go because he didn't want the executive to use his power and influence against him.
"I let it go," Crews said. "And I understand why many women who this happens to let it go."
Crews said he went through the mental calculations common among victims: Would he be believed? Would it hurt his career? Would he be ostracized?
Crews also acknowledged the phenomenon of victims finding strength in numbers, which has played out in accusations against Weinstein, Bill Cosby, Roger Ailes, and other famous people.
"I understand and empathize with those who have remained silent," he said. "But Harvey Weinstein is not the only perpetrator."
Crews added that this kind of abuse happens outside of Hollywood as well, and he offered a message of solidarity to other victims.
"Hollywood is not the only business [where] this happens, and to the casualties of this behavior — you are not alone," he said.
"Hopefully, me coming forward with my story will deter a predator and encourage someone who feels hopeless."
BuzzFeed News reached out to Crews for more information.
LINK: Three Women Have Accused Harvey Weinstein Of Rape In A New Yorker Exposé
LINK: Here Are The Women Who Harvey Weinstein Has Allegedly Sexually Harassed Or Assaulted
from BuzzFeed - USNews http://ift.tt/2kEMaXj
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