Actor Terry Crews Opened Up About Being Sexually Assaulted By A Hollywood Exec And Proved It Can Happen To Anyone
As more and more women are coming out about being sexually harassed and assaulted by producer Harvey Weinstein, more and more women are coming out with their stories about harassment and assault in general. But they aren’t the only ones. Weinstein’s story is affecting just about everyone.
Actor Terry Crews, who some may know from Bridesmaids or Everybody Hates Chris, came forward on Twitter to admit that the Weinstein allegations have been triggering for him, though not in the way some would expect.
This whole thing with Harvey Weinstein is giving me PTSD. Why? Because this kind of thing happened to ME. (1/Cont.)
— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) October 10, 2017
My wife n I were at a Hollywood function last year n a high level Hollywood executive came over 2 me and groped my privates. (2/cont.)
— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) October 10, 2017
Jumping back I said What are you doing?! My wife saw everything n we looked at him like he was crazy. He just grinned like a jerk. (3/cont.)
— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) October 10, 2017
I was going to kick his ass right then— but I thought twice about how the whole thing would appear. (4/cont.)
— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) October 10, 2017
“240 lbs. Black Man stomps out Hollywood Honcho” would be the headline the next day. (5/cont.)
— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) October 10, 2017
Only I probably wouldn’t have been able to read it because I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN JAIL. So we left.
(6/cont.)— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) October 10, 2017
That night and the next day I talked to everyone I knew that worked with him about what happened. (7/cont.)
— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) October 10, 2017
He called me the next day with an apology but never really explained why he did what he did. (8/cont.)
— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) October 10, 2017
I decided not 2 take it further becuz I didn’t want 2b ostracized— par 4 the course when the predator has power n influence. (9/cont.)
— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) October 10, 2017
Crews went on to explain why he and so many other people stay silent in the face of abuse and harassment.
Who’s going 2 believe you? ( few) What r the repercussions?(many) Do u want 2 work again? (Yes) R you prepared 2b ostracized?(No)(11/cont.)
— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) October 10, 2017
I love what I do. But it’s a shame and the height of disappointment when someone tries to takes advantage of that. (12/cont.)
— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) October 10, 2017
He knows who he is. But sumtimes Uhav2 wait & compare notes w/ others who’ve been victimized in order 2gain a position of strength. (13cont)
— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) October 10, 2017
I understand and empathize with those who have remained silent. But Harvey Weinstein is not the only perpetrator. (14/cont.)
— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) October 10, 2017
Hollywood is not the only business we’re this happens, and to the casualties of this behavior— you are not alone. (15/cont.)
— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) October 10, 2017
Hopefully, me coming forward with my story will deter a predator and encourage someone who feels hopeless. (16/end)
— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) October 10, 2017
The thread was shocking for many fans, many of whom didn’t consider Crews, who is a former college athlete, the typical profile for a sexual assault victim. However, it also put the Weinstein allegations into perspective: this kind of thing can happen to absolutely anyone.
https://twitter.com/Shakestweetz/status/917893696225456129
https://twitter.com/aishatyler/status/917915601170919424
Terry Crews is 6'3", 245 lbs, 49 y/o & he was afraid to talk about being sexually assualted. Imagine how a 5'4", 125 lb, 18 y/o woman feels. pic.twitter.com/AsxRE7VwYM
— JoCasta Zamarripa (@repjocasta) October 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/AbbyGritti/status/917846749456211968
https://twitter.com/ValterSkarsgar/status/917856270287175681
Thank you, Terry, for stepping forward and telling your story, even though it’s difficult. You have no idea how many men and women you’ve helped today.