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:2025-04-13 10:57:51
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! (2)
Related
- Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
- Soldiers use this fast, cheap solution to quickly cool down in the scorching heat. And you can, too.
- 4 major takeaways from the Supreme Court's most consequential term in years
- Iran's 2024 election: Will the presidential run-off vote lead Iran back toward the West, or Russia and China?
- Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
- Northern California wildfire does not grow but winds and hot weather could whip up flames
- Pregnant Francesca Farago Details Her Dream Wedding to Jesse Sullivan
- Why was it a surprise? Biden’s debate problems leave some wondering if the press missed the story
- The company planning a successor to Concorde makes its first supersonic test
- Federal Reserve minutes: Inflation is cooling, but more evidence is needed for rate cuts
Ranking
- What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
- Stock market today: Japan’s Nikkei 225 hits new record close, leading Asian shares higher
- Christina Applegate Shares Her Top Bucket List Items Amid Battle With Multiple Sclerosis
- How much TV is OK for little kids? Making screen time work for your family
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- Mindy Kaling and the rise of the 'secret baby' trend
- US agency to fight invasive bass threatening humpback chub, other protected fish in Grand Canyon
- 2 horses ran onto a Los Angeles freeway and were struck, killed by passing vehicles
Recommendation
Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest 2024 time, channel: What to know about July 4th tradition
Tesla stock climbs as Q2 vehicle deliveries beat expectations for first time in year
Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest 2024 time, channel: What to know about July 4th tradition
A White House order claims to end 'censorship.' What does that mean?
About the security and return rate of LANDUN FINANCIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE LTD platform
US agency to fight invasive bass threatening humpback chub, other protected fish in Grand Canyon
Now-banned NBA player Jontay Porter will be charged in betting case, court papers indicate