Terry Crews Has Come Forward With Sexual Assault Claims Against Another Hollywood Exec
"I understand why many women who this happens to let it go."
As the entertainment industry continues to grapple with the wave of sexual harassment and assault allegations that have been levelled against producer Harvey Weinstein in recent days, actor Terry Crews has come forward with a claim of sexual assault against another unnamed Hollywood executive.
The Brooklyn 99 star took to Twitter overnight to share the details, which he alleges took place at a Hollywood function last year and involved “a high-level Hollywood executive.”
“This whole thing with Harvey Weinstein is giving me PTSD,” he wrote. “Why? Because this kind of thing happened to ME.”
According to Crews, he was with his wife when the man came up to him and groped his privates.
“I was going to kick his ass right then — but I thought twice about how the whole thing would appear,” wrote Crews. “‘240 lbs. Black Man stomps out Hollywood Honcho’ would be the headline the next day. Only I probably wouldn’t have been able to read it because I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN JAIL. So we left.”
Crews says he decided not to take any action against the man because he didn’t want to be ostracised — something he said was par for the course when the perpetrator was a person in power.
“I let it go,” he wrote. “And I understand why many women who this happens to let it go.”
This whole thing with Harvey Weinstein is giving me PTSD. Why? Because this kind of thing happened to ME. (1/Cont.)
— terrycrews (@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.)
— terrycrews (@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.)
— terrycrews (@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.)
— terrycrews (@terrycrews) October 10, 2017
“240 lbs. Black Man stomps out Hollywood Honcho” would be the headline the next day. (5/cont.)
— terrycrews (@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.)— terrycrews (@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.)
— terrycrews (@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.)
— terrycrews (@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.)
— terrycrews (@terrycrews) October 10, 2017
I let it go. And I understand why many women who this happens to let it go. (10/cont.)
— terrycrews (@terrycrews) October 10, 2017
Crews concluded by saying that “Harvey Weinstein is not the only perpetrator,” and that “Hollywood is not the only business we’re [sic] this happens.”
“To the casualties of this behavior — you are not alone,” he wrote. “Hopefully, me coming forward with my story will deter a predator and encourage someone who feels hopeless.”
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.)
— terrycrews (@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.)
— terrycrews (@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)
— terrycrews (@terrycrews) October 10, 2017
I understand and empathize with those who have remained silent. But Harvey Weinstein is not the only perpetrator. (14/cont.)
— terrycrews (@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.)
— terrycrews (@terrycrews) October 10, 2017
Hopefully, me coming forward with my story will deter a predator and encourage someone who feels hopeless. (16/end)
— terrycrews (@terrycrews) October 10, 2017
Crews’ remarks were met with a positive reaction from people on social media, with many pointing out how rare it is for men to feel comfortable coming forward with allegations against other men.
Terry Crews’ comments are so important because we also don’t talk about men who face sexual harassment and abuse by powerful men.
— Ira Madison III (@ira) October 10, 2017
There’s quite a few in Hollywood probably thinking they’ll get away with it too, because men would never dare speak up.
— Ira Madison III (@ira) October 10, 2017
S/O to @terrycrews for his bravery. He wasn’t the first and he won’t be the last, not until we create a new culture https://t.co/FrJqctlc1B
— Jamilah Lemieux (@JamilahLemieux) October 10, 2017
It’s important that we understand abuse can happen to anyone, including giant strong men like Terry Crews. It is never the victim’s fault.
— Philip Ellis (@Philip_Ellis) October 10, 2017
Terry Crews is 6’3 240lbs and he was scared to speak up about his sexual assault. Now ask yourself why a 5’1 125lbs woman wouldn’t be scared
— ? (@Dannichka) October 10, 2017
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If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
Men can access anonymous confidential telephone counselling to help to stop using violent and controlling behaviour through the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.