Current:Home > MarketsMichael Rainey Jr. speaks out after being groped on livestream: 'I am still in shock' -WorldMoney
Michael Rainey Jr. speaks out after being groped on livestream: 'I am still in shock'
View
Date:2025-04-17 02:40:49
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! (55747)
Related
- Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
- Sawfish rescued in Florida as biologists try to determine why the ancient fish are dying
- Lonton Wealth Management Center: When did the RBA start cutting interest rates?
- Houston hospital halts liver and kidney transplants after learning a doctor manipulated some records
- Grammy nominee Teddy Swims on love, growth and embracing change
- Wynonna Judd's Daughter Grace Kelley Charged With Soliciting Prostitution
- Maine’s supreme court overrules new trial in shooting of Black man
- Stunning new Roman frescoes uncovered at Pompeii, the ancient Italian city frozen in time by a volcano
- What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
- Meta tests new auto-blur tool and other features on Instagram designed to fight sextortion
Ranking
- Sam Taylor
- O.J. Simpson murder trial divided America. Those divisions remain nearly 30 years later.
- ‘HELP’ sign on beach points rescuers to men stuck nine days on remote Pacific atoll
- North Carolina governor to welcome historic visitor at mansion: Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida
- Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
- Vermont town removes unpermitted structures from defunct firearms training center while owner jailed
- Prince William and Prince George Seen in First Joint Outing Since Kate Middleton Shared Cancer Diagnosis
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Go To Extremes
Recommendation
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
Amanda Knox back on trial in Italy in lingering case linked to roommate Meredith Kercher's murder
Maren Morris and Karina Argow bring garden friends to life in new children's book, Addie Ant Goes on an Adventure
The O.J. Simpson case forced domestic violence into the spotlight, boosting a movement
New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
Maren Morris and Karina Argow bring garden friends to life in new children's book, Addie Ant Goes on an Adventure
Meta tests new auto-blur tool and other features on Instagram designed to fight sextortion
Trump’s co-defendants in classified documents case are asking judge to dismiss charges against them