Current:Home > NewsMichael Rainey Jr. speaks out after being groped on livestream: 'I am still in shock' -Wealth Legacy Solutions
Michael Rainey Jr. speaks out after being groped on livestream: 'I am still in shock'
SignalHub View
Date:2025-03-11 10:17:46
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! (23)
Related
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- 'Taylor is thinking about you,' Andrea Swift tells 11-year-old with viral costume
- Federal judge lets Iowa keep challenging voter rolls although naturalized citizens may be affected
- Longtime music director at Michigan church fired for same-sex marriage
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- 4 easy ways to find, enjoy scary stories this Halloween: Video
- October jobs report shows slower hiring in the wake of strikes, hurricanes
- Federal Regulators Waited 7 Months to Investigate a Deadly Home Explosion Above a Gassy Coal Mine. Residents Want Action
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- Dawson's Creek's James Van Der Beek Shares Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis
Ranking
- Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
- Jury convicts former Kentucky officer of using excessive force on Breonna Taylor during deadly raid
- 'Trump Alleged Shooter' sends letter to Palm Beach Post
- Do high ticket prices for games affect sports fan behavior? Experts weigh in.
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- In the heights: Generations of steeplejacks keep vanishing trade alive
- Texas Sued New Mexico Over Rio Grande Water. Now the States are Fighting the Federal Government
- Apple's AI update is here: What to know about Apple Intelligence, top features
Recommendation
Military service academies see drop in reported sexual assaults after alarming surge
Jill Duggar Details Complicated Relationship With Parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar
Mega Millions winning numbers for November 1 drawing: Jackpot rises to $303 million
Former Kentucky officer found guilty of violating Breonna Taylor's civil rights
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
Netflix's Moments feature makes it easier to share scenes without screen recording
Florida’s convicted killer clown released from prison for the murder of her husband’s then-wife
A Rural Arizona Community May Soon Have a State Government Fix For Its Drying Wells