Terry Crews, known for his acting roles and his experience as a survivor, addressed lawmakers on Tuesday with a powerful message.
Despite his past as an NFL player and a prominent figure on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” Crews emphasized that he stands before them as a representative of all survivors.
His presence at a Senate committee hearing was to advocate for the implementation of the “s**ual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights.”
Crews shared his personal encounter with s**ual assault, stating, “This happened to me, too,” challenging the misconception that individuals like him are immune to victimization.
Expressing solidarity with other survivors who faced backlash and disbelief upon sharing their stories, Crews highlighted the importance of supporting and believing victims.
The proposed “Survivors’ Bill of Rights” aims to provide specific protections for survivors, such as ensuring s**ual assault examinations are not financially burdensome, preserving rape kits for extended periods, and notifying survivors before disposing of evidence.
Within the glamorous facade of Hollywood, Crews shed light on the pervasive issue of “toxic masculinity” that enables such misconduct.
He addressed the power dynamics within the industry, where individuals exploit dreams and aspirations to exert control over others.
Revealing his own traumatic experience, Crews underscored the normalization of harassment as part of the job description in such environments.
During the hearing, Crews candidly recounted the assault he endured at a 2016 event attended with his wife, perpetrated by a notable Hollywood agent, Adam Venit.
Despite Venit’s subsequent apology citing intoxication, Crews emphasized the profound impact of the assault on his sense of powerlessness and emasculation.
Following the incident, he filed a lawsuit against Venit, prompting an internal investigation by the agency and Venit’s suspension.
Reflecting on his initial urge for retaliation, Crews acknowledged the restraint he exercised, crediting his wife’s support for guiding his response.
Drawing from his childhood experiences of witnessing domestic abuse, Crews revealed how his upbringing shaped his views on power and control, leading to a transformative realization post-assault.
By sharing his story and advocating for survivors, Crews aims to empower others and challenge societal perceptions of masculinity and strength.
In a poignant moment, Crews highlighted the significance of acknowledging and addressing instances of abuse, dispelling misconceptions that diminish the severity of such violations.
He emphasized the emotional toll and internal struggle faced by survivors, transcending stereotypes of masculinity to prioritize support and justice for all affected individuals.
Through his courage and advocacy, Crews hopes to pave the way for a culture that values and uplifts survivors, fostering empathy and accountability within society.
