James Van Der Beek shares assault story: 'I've been grabbed by older, powerful men'
Dawson's Creek actor James Van Der Beek has added his voice to the plethora of accounts of sexual assault in Hollywood.
Van Der Beek, 40, defended famous victims for not coming forward about their assault sooner, adding that he had felt silenced after his experiences as a young star.
On Wednesday night US time, Van Der Beek posted a series of comments on Twitter:
For anyone judging the women who stayed silent, read this for perspective. Also for anyone brushing off harassment as “boys being boys.” https://t.co/UX9xWxpn2K
— James Van Der Beek (@vanderjames) October 12, 2017
What Weinstein is being accused of is criminal. What he’s admitted to is unacceptable - in any industry. I applaud everybody speaking out.
— James Van Der Beek (@vanderjames) October 12, 2017
I’ve had my ass grabbed by older, powerful men, I’ve had them corner me in inappropriate sexual conversations when I was much younger...
— James Van Der Beek (@vanderjames) October 12, 2017
I understand the unwarranted shame, powerlessness & inability to blow the whistle. There’s a power dynamic that feels impossible to overcome
— James Van Der Beek (@vanderjames) October 12, 2017
Also... never met a local in Sonoma or Napa I didn’t like. Heart goes out to that community and prayers for safety for the firefighters.
— James Van Der Beek (@vanderjames) October 12, 2017
Van Der Beek broke into the industry when he was 20, taking on the title role in hit teen series Dawson's Creek, before being cast in films including Rules of Attraction.
He is among a number of stars who have been sharing their stories of assault on social media in the wake of allegations that Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein assaulted and raped dozens of women over a three-decade period.
Related Video: