Demi Lovato, aged 28, recently disclosed in her documentary “Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil” that she was s–ually assaulted as a teenager during her time working for the Disney Channel.
Shockingly, the perpetrator faced no repercussions even after she bravely spoke out about the traumatic experience.
Demi chose not to name the individual responsible, stating that she had to encounter this person frequently following the incident.
The Disney Channel has been reached out to for a statement by Radio 1 Newsbeat.
The revealing documentary was showcased at the virtual South by Southwest festival, shedding light on the distressing details of an alleged rape.
In a poignant moment captured in the film, Demi Lovato expressed, “My MeToo story is me telling somebody that someone did this to me and they never got in trouble for it.”
She further conveyed her frustration by stating, “I've just kept it quiet because I've always had something to say, and I'm tired of opening my mouth.”
Delving deeper into her personal struggles, the YouTube docuseries explores various challenges that Demi Lovato has encountered, including trauma, addiction, and her relapse into a drug overdose back in 2018.
She bravely recounts the harrowing incident, explaining, “We were hooking up but I said – hey, this is not going any farther.
And that didn't matter to them, they did it anyways.
And I internalised it and I told myself it was my fault because I still went in the room with him.”
Reflecting on the psychological aftermath of the assault, Demi shared how she coped through self-harm and battled with the eating disorder bulimia.
Additionally, she touches upon the concept of a “promise ring,” a symbolic gesture adopted by herself and other young celebrities like the Jonas Brothers, signifying a commitment to saving s=x for marriage.
Addressing the complexity of her situation, Demi questions societal expectations, stating, “So what, I'm supposed to come out to the public after saying I have a promise ring?
Six months later, I'm supposed to say, well I had s=x, even though it was rape?
Some people aren't going to see it that way.”
The documentary also explores the aftermath of Demi's drug overdose in 2018, which led to her being hospitalized after being discovered unconscious at her Los Angeles residence.
Recalling the severity of the incident, she revealed that her doctors had informed her that she only had five to 10 minutes left.
Enduring three strokes and a heart attack, she disclosed enduring lasting effects of brain damage, affecting her vision and ability to drive and read.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Demi Lovato made a triumphant return to the music scene, performing at events like the Grammy Awards and the Super Bowl.
Her resilience and candidness in sharing her struggles with addiction and bulimia have resonated with many fans.
“Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil” is set to premiere on YouTube from 23 March, providing viewers with an intimate look into the singer's tumultuous journey.
For individuals seeking help and support regarding s–ual abuse and self-harm, the BBC Action Line offers valuable resources.
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