Current:Home > NewsMichael Rainey Jr. speaks out after being groped on livestream: 'I am still in shock' -OceanicInvest
Michael Rainey Jr. speaks out after being groped on livestream: 'I am still in shock'
View
Date:2025-04-23 11:56:08
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! (73998)
Related
- Costco membership growth 'robust,' even amid fee increase: What to know about earnings release
- Senate panel OKs action against Steward Health Care CEO for defying subpoena
- 36 Unique Hostess Gifts Under $25 To Make You the Favorite Guest as Low $4.99
- 'Golden Bachelorette' Joan met her 24 suitors in emotional premiere: Who got a rose?
- Intellectuals vs. The Internet
- Tyson Foods Sued Over Emissions Reduction Promises
- Veteran CIA officer who drugged and sexually assaulted dozens of women gets 30 years in prison
- Testimony begins in trial for ex-sergeant charged in killing of Virginia shoplifting suspect
- Will the 'Yellowstone' finale be the last episode? What we know about Season 6, spinoffs
- North Carolina’s highest court hears challenge to law allowing more time for child sex abuse suits
Ranking
- Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
- Veteran CIA officer who drugged and sexually assaulted dozens of women gets 30 years in prison
- Woman suffers leg burns after hiking off trail near Yellowstone Park’s Old Faithful
- Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff seeks more control over postmaster general after mail meltdown
- New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
- Harvey Weinstein pleads not guilty to new criminal charge in New York
- Refugees in New Hampshire turn to farming for an income and a taste of home
- Jordan Love injury update: Is Packers QB playing Week 3 vs. Titans?
Recommendation
The Louvre will be renovated and the 'Mona Lisa' will have her own room
Drake London’s shooting celebration violated longstanding NFL rules against violent gestures
VP says woman’s death after delayed abortion treatment shows consequences of Trump’s actions
Found: The Best Free People Deals Under $50, Featuring Savings Up to 92% Off & Styles Starting at Just $6
The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
Nearly 100-year-old lookout tower destroyed in California's Line Fire
Review: Marvel's 'Agatha All Along' has a lot of hocus pocus but no magic
Hunter Biden’s sentencing on federal firearms charges delayed until December