Current:Home > MarketsMichael Rainey Jr. speaks out after being groped on livestream: 'I am still in shock' -Triumph Financial Guides
Michael Rainey Jr. speaks out after being groped on livestream: 'I am still in shock'
View
Date:2025-04-13 20:46:32
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! (516)
Related
- Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
- From Amazon to the Postal Service, how to score returned and unclaimed merchandise
- Watch: Gracie Abrams joins Taylor Swift at Eras Tour to play their new song
- Millions in the US prepare for more sweltering heat as floodwaters inundate parts of the Midwest
- Will the 'Yellowstone' finale be the last episode? What we know about Season 6, spinoffs
- Caeleb Dressel qualifies for another event at Paris Olympics, 'happy to be done' with trials
- Vice President Harris and first lady Jill Biden travel to battleground states to mark 2 years since Dobbs ruling
- Summer camps are for getting kids outdoors, but more frequent heat waves force changes
- A Mississippi company is sentenced for mislabeling cheap seafood as premium local fish
- How Biden and Trump are taking very different approaches to preparing for next week’s debate
Ranking
- A Mississippi company is sentenced for mislabeling cheap seafood as premium local fish
- One dead, seven injured after shooting at Kentucky nightclub
- Watch this friendly therapy dog offer comfort to first responders
- California man missing for more than a week found alive in remote canyon
- US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
- 2028 LA Olympics: Track going before swimming will allow Games to start 'with a bang'
- US regulators chide four big-bank 'living wills,' FDIC escalates Citi concerns
- Ink Master Star Ryan Hadley Dead at 46 After Cancer Battle
Recommendation
Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
FDA gives green light to menthol flavored e-cigarettes for first time
LOCALIZE IT: HIV cases are on the rise in young gay Latinos, especially in the Southeast
In West Virginia, the Senate Race Outcome May Shift Limits of US Climate Ambitions
Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
Why Reggie Jackson's powerful remarks on racism still resonate today
Taylor Swift sings 'thanK you aIMee,' performs with Hayley Williams at Eras Tour in London
Why a young family decided to move to a tiny Maine island on a whim