Current:Home > ContactMichael Rainey Jr. speaks out after being groped on livestream: 'I am still in shock' -Achieve Wealth Network
Michael Rainey Jr. speaks out after being groped on livestream: 'I am still in shock'
View
Date:2025-04-25 09:43:18
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! (3313)
Related
- Can Bill Belichick turn North Carolina into a winner? At 72, he's chasing one last high
- Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper appears to throw drink at Jacksonville Jaguars fans
- $20 for flipping burgers? California minimum wage increase will cost consumers – and workers.
- California law banning most firearms in public is taking effect as the legal fight over it continues
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- Georgia football stomps undermanned Florida State in Orange Bowl
- Nick Carter Shares Family Video in First Post Since Sister Bobbie Jean Carter's Death
- Kirk Cousins leads 'Skol' chant before Minnesota Vikings' game vs. Green Bay Packers
- 2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
- A man is arrested in Arkansas in connection with the death of a co-worker in Maine
Ranking
- 'Most Whopper
- Chief Justice Roberts casts a wary eye on artificial intelligence in the courts
- South Korea’s capital records heaviest single-day snowfall in December for 40 years
- Nick Saban knew what these Alabama players needed most this year: His belief in them
- 2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
- New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2024 lineup, performers and streaming info for ABC's annual party
- Consulting firm McKinsey agrees to $78 million settlement with insurers over opioids
- Kirk Cousins leads 'Skol' chant before Minnesota Vikings' game vs. Green Bay Packers
Recommendation
Meet first time Grammy nominee Charley Crockett
Former Ugandan steeplechase Olympian Benjamin Kiplagat found fatally stabbed in Kenya
Detroit Pistons face final chance to avoid carrying NBA-record losing streak into 2024
Zac Brown, Kelly Yazdi to divorce after marrying earlier this year: 'Wish each other the best'
Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
Dave Chappelle goes after disabled community in 'The Dreamer': 'I love punching down'
North Korea’s Kim says he’ll launch 3 more spy satellites and build more nuclear weapons in 2024
College Football Playoff semifinals could set betting records