Current:Home > NewsMichael Rainey Jr. speaks out after being groped on livestream: 'I am still in shock' -Stellar Financial Insights
Michael Rainey Jr. speaks out after being groped on livestream: 'I am still in shock'
View
Date:2025-04-18 02:13:39
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
- What to watch: O Jolie night
- Rihanna, Kaley Cuoco and More Stars Celebrating Their First Mother's Day in 2023
- Miami police prepare for protesters outside courthouse where Trump is being arraigned
- Matty Healy Resurfaces on Taylor Swift's Era Tour Amid Romance Rumors
- All That You Wanted to Know About She’s All That
- Here's why China's population dropped for the first time in decades
- MacKenzie Scott is shaking up philanthropy's traditions. Is that a good thing?
- Paul Ryan: Trump's baggage makes him unelectable, indictment goes beyond petty politics
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Therapy by chatbot? The promise and challenges in using AI for mental health
Ranking
- Grammy nominee Teddy Swims on love, growth and embracing change
- Kate Middleton Gives Surprise Musical Performance for Eurovision Song Contest
- Dakota Access Protest ‘Felt Like Low-Grade War,’ Says Medic Treating Injuries
- Army Corps Halts Dakota Access Pipeline, Pending Review
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- U.S. Nuclear Fleet’s Dry Docks Threatened by Storms and Rising Seas
- Many ERs offer minimal care for miscarriage. One group wants that to change
- Why Gratitude Is a Key Ingredient in Rachael Ray's Recipe for Rebuilding Her Homes
Recommendation
Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
Bernie Sanders on Climate Change: Where the Candidate Stands
24-Hour Flash Deal: Save 42% On This Attachment That Turns Your KitchenAid Mixer Into an Ice Cream Maker
Take a Bite Out of The Real Housewives of New York City Reboot's Drama-Filled First Trailer
Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
Conspiracy theorists hounded Grant Wahl's family when he died. Now they're back
Damar Hamlin is in 'good spirits' and recovering at a Buffalo hospital, team says
Time is fleeting. Here's how to stay on track with New Year's goals