Current:Home > BackMichael Rainey Jr. speaks out after being groped on livestream: 'I am still in shock'-LoTradeCoin
Michael Rainey Jr. speaks out after being groped on livestream: 'I am still in shock'
View Date:2024-12-23 18:39:10
Actor Michael Rainey Jr. is speaking out after a video appeared to show he was sexually assaulted on a livestream.
In an Instagram story on Monday, the "Power" star, 23, said he is "still in shock" and doesn't "fully know how to process what happened last night." The incident occurred on a stream broadcast by Tylil James, who hosts "The Tylil Show" on the live video platform Twitch and has more than 100,000 followers there.
A video that circulated on social media showed Rainey standing in a room full of people during the stream when a woman appears to grab his crotch, making him visibly uncomfortable. The woman's hand is obscured in the footage by two young children.
"This is an unfortunate situation that I do not condone in any way," the actor said. "I can't take it lightly because I know I would be in serious trouble if the roles were reversed."
The alleged assault occurred while other participants in the stream were engaged in conversation, and it did not appear they initially noticed what happened.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
He added, "The fact is, sexual assault is never okay, regardless of gender or status. We're all human, and we should respect each other. Most importantly, we should always respect ourselves."
USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Rainey.
Rainey is known for his role as Tariq St. Patrick in the "Power" franchise, including "Power Book II: Ghost." The first part of its final season held its premiere in New York City last week and premiered Friday on Starz.
He has also had roles on "Orange Is the New Black" and in the films "The Butler" and "Barbershop: The Next Cut."
'Power Book II: Ghost'Season 4: Release date, cast, trailer, where to watch new episodes
In an Instagram story, James apologized to Rainey and said the woman who seemingly groped him is his sister. "My little sister was completely wrong and out of line," he said. "What she did was very inappropriate and unacceptable. I am truly embarrassed and disgusted by her actions."
James pledged to take "extreme precautions with future streams to avoid similar issues" and said he has banned his sister from participating. "I do not condone any type of assault," he wrote.
'Power Book II: Ghost':Mary J. Blige on her role as a 'queenpin' survivor in sequel series
In the comments section of Rainey's most recent Instagram post, some fans urged the actor to take legal action.
"Please press charges on her, because if the roles were reversed you would've been in jail," one comment, which received more than 3,000 likes, read.
Another fan wrote, "Sorry that happened to you Michael, what she did was wrong and i hate that it's taken lightly or as a joke when this happens to men."
James said in his Instagram story that he respects "whatever direction Michael wants to go in this situation."
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support to survivors and their loved ones in English and Spanish at: 800-656-HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org and en Español RAINN.org/es.
veryGood! (7)
Related
- Ryan Reynolds Clarifies Taylor Swift’s Role as Godmother to His Kids With Blake Lively
- The death toll from floods in Greece has risen to 15 after 4 more bodies found, authorities say
- With Rubiales finally out, Spanish soccer ready to leave embarrassing chapter behind
- History: Baltimore Ravens believe they are first NFL team with all-Black quarterback room
- New York nursing home operator accused of neglect settles with state for $45M
- Visit from ex-NFL star Calvin Johnson helps 2 children and their families live with cancer
- Ocean cleanup group deploys barges to capture plastic in rivers
- Escaped convict spotted with altered appearance, driving stolen van, police say
- Cavaliers' Darius Garland rediscovers joy for basketball under new coach
- 'Great gesture' or 'these really are awful?' Readers are divided over the new Walmart cart
Ranking
- A $1 billion proposal is the latest plan to refurbish and save the iconic Houston Astrodome
- Lil Nas X documentary premiere delayed by bomb threat at Toronto International Film Festival
- With Rubiales finally out, Spanish soccer ready to leave embarrassing chapter behind
- Biden highlights business deals and pays respects at John McCain memorial to wrap up Vietnam visit
- Bev Priestman fired as Canada women’s soccer coach after review of Olympic drone scandal
- 11 people injured after walkway collapsed during Maine Open Lighthouse Day
- Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's 1-month-old son's name has been revealed: Reports
- 11 people injured after walkway collapsed during Maine Open Lighthouse Day
Recommendation
-
Round 2 in the Trump-vs-Mexico matchup looks ominous for Mexico
-
Moroccan soldiers and aid teams battle to reach remote, quake-hit towns as toll rises past 2,400
-
Luis Rubiales, Spain's soccer federation boss, faces sexual assault lawsuit for Jenni Hermoso kiss
-
Historic Cairo cemetery faces destruction from new highways as Egypt’s government reshapes the city
-
Jason Kelce collaborates with Stevie Nicks for Christmas duet: Hear the song
-
Australian and Indonesian forces deploy battle tanks in US-led combat drills amid Chinese concern
-
Turkey cave rescue of American Mark Dickey like Himalayan Mountain climbing underground, friend says
-
Moroccan soldiers and aid teams battle to reach remote, quake-hit towns as toll rises past 2,400