At 6’3″, 240 lbs., Terry Crews has seldom played a character that doesn’t tower over others. He’s a formidable presence, on screen and off, to say the least.
But the actor says he was sexually assaulted last year by a Hollywood executive — and was initially too scared to tell the tale — but is coming forward now in support of the women who are accusing producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment.
Crews, who told his story on Twitter, came forward with his tale Tuesday.
The actor says he was at a Hollywood party when a “high level Hollywood executive” (who he doesn’t name) approached him and grabbed his genitals. Crews said he thought about punching the man’s lights out, but restrained himself, fearing he would be seen as the aggressor.
While the executive did call to apologize the next day, Crews says he didn’t escalate the matter for fear of being ostracized by the film community.
“I understand and empathize with those who have remained silent. But Harvey Weinstein is not the only perpetrator,” he wrote. “Hollywood is not the only business [where] this happens, and to the casualties of this behavior— you are not alone.”
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
I let it go. And I understand why many women who this happens to let it go. (10/cont.)
— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) October 10, 2017
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 accusations against Weinstein resulted in him being ousted as co-chairman from Weinstein Co., the company he helped found.
Crews, meanwhile, is being lauded on social media for telling his story and standing up for victims who might otherwise be afraid to come forward.
