Former “7th Heaven” star Stephen Collins has confessed to inappropriate sexual contact with three minors.
In October, the 67-year-old actor was investigated by police for the sex crimes after an audio recording of the actor from a 2012 therapy session was released to the media.
“Forty years ago, I did something terribly wrong that I deeply regret. I have been working to atone for it ever since. I’ve decided to address these issues publicly because two months ago, various news organizations published a recording made by my then-wife, Faye Grant, during a confidential marriage therapy session in January, 2012. This session was recorded without the therapist’s or my knowledge or consent,” Collins said in a statement to People.
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“On the recording, I described events that took place 20, 32, and 40 years ago,” Collins continued. “The publication of the recording has resulted in assumptions and innuendos about what I did that go far beyond what actually occurred. As difficult as this is, I want people to know the truth.”
The actor said there were three victims involved starting in 1972 and most recently in 1994. The actor told the mag that he “agonized” about apologizing to the women involved.
“I did have an opportunity to do so with one of the women, 15 years later. I apologized and she was extraordinarily gracious,” Collins explained. “But after I learned in the course of my treatment that my being direct about such matters could actually make things worse for them by opening old wounds, I have not approached the other two women, one of whom is now in her 50s and the other in her 30s.”
READ: Stephen Collins Investigated For Child Sex Molestation Allegations, Actor Cut From ‘Ted 2’
Collins, who was dropped from numerous projects – including “Scandal” and “Ted 2” – after the audio tapes were released, will sit down with Yahoo Global News Anchor Katie Couric for an interview that will stream on Yahoo and air on “20/20” on Friday.
The actor starred as Pastor Eric Camden on “7th Heaven” from 1996 to 2007. He recently had roles on “Scandal,” “The Fosters,” “Devious Maids” and “Revolution.”
— Jesse Spero
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