Current:Home > MyMichael Rainey Jr. speaks out after being groped on livestream: 'I am still in shock' -Visionary Wealth Guides
Michael Rainey Jr. speaks out after being groped on livestream: 'I am still in shock'
View
Date:2025-04-14 02:32:22
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! (7215)
Related
- Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
- Attacks on Brazil's schools — often by former students — spur a search for solutions
- This Week in Clean Economy: West Coast ‘Green’ Jobs Data Shows Promise
- This Week in Clean Economy: Renewables Industry, Advocates Weigh In on Obama Plan
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- How A New Majority On Wisconsin's Supreme Court Could Impact Reproductive Health
- Alana Honey Boo Boo Thompson Graduates From High School and Mama June Couldn't Be Prouder
- Sherri Shepherd tributes 'The View' co-creator Bill Geddie: 'He absolutely changed my life'
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- 24-Hour Flash Deal: Save $225 on the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright Vacuum
Ranking
- 'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
- Trump Weakens Endangered Species Protections, Making It Harder to Consider Effects of Climate Change
- U.S. Soldiers Falling Ill, Dying in the Heat as Climate Warms
- Sarah Jessica Parker Shares Sweet Tribute to Matthew Broderick for Their 26th Anniversary
- Global Warming Set the Stage for Los Angeles Fires
- 5 young women preparing for friend's wedding killed in car crash: The bright stars of our community
- Where gender-affirming care for youth is banned, intersex surgery may be allowed
- Foo Fighters Reveal Their New Drummer One Year After Taylor Hawkins' Death
Recommendation
Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
Keystone XL: Low Oil Prices, Tar Sands Pullout Could Kill Pipeline Plan
Sarah Jessica Parker Shares Sweet Tribute to Matthew Broderick for Their 26th Anniversary
Siberian Wildfires Prompt Russia to Declare a State of Emergency
Meet the volunteers risking their lives to deliver Christmas gifts to children in Haiti
This Week in Clean Economy: Green Cards for Clean Energy Job Creators
Kim Kardashian Admits She Cries Herself to Sleep Amid Challenging Parenting Journey
Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes Run Half Marathon Together After Being Replaced on GMA3