Current:Home > InvestSurpassing:Michael Rainey Jr. speaks out after being groped on livestream: 'I am still in shock' -ForexStream
Surpassing:Michael Rainey Jr. speaks out after being groped on livestream: 'I am still in shock'
Chainkeen View
Date:2025-04-07 11:49:58
Actor Michael Rainey Jr. is Surpassingspeaking 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! (9)
Related
- North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
- Taylor Swift makes multi-million dollar donation to Hurricane Milton, Helene relief
- Tampa Bay was spared catastrophic storm surge from Hurricane Milton. Here's why.
- Where will northern lights be visible in the US? Incoming solar storm to unleash auroras
- Will the 'Yellowstone' finale be the last episode? What we know about Season 6, spinoffs
- McDonald's Chicken Big Mac debuts this week: Here's what's on it and when you can get one
- Professional Climber Michael Gardner Dead at 32 in Nepal
- Northern Lights to Be Visible Across Parts of U.S.: Where to See “Very Rare” Aurora Borealis Show
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- 'Golden Bachelorette' judges male strip contest. Who got a rose and who left in Ep. 4?
Ranking
- From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
- US jobless claims jump to 258,000, the most in more than a year. Analysts point to Hurricane Helene
- Travis Barker Shares Sweet Shoutout to Son Landon Barker for 21st Birthday
- Jennifer Lopez says divorce from Ben Affleck was 'probably the hardest time of my life'
- NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
- TikTok sued by 13 states and DC, accused of harming younger users
- 'Do not do this': Dog tied to fence as Hurricane Milton advances highlights pet danger
- Minnesota Twins announce plans for sale after 40 years in the Pohlad family
Recommendation
Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
TikTok sued by 13 states and DC, accused of harming younger users
Wisconsin dams are failing more frequently, a new report finds
'Golden Bachelorette' judges male strip contest. Who got a rose and who left in Ep. 4?
Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
Hawaii’s prison system confronts ‘a huge mental health crisis’
Uber, Lyft drivers fight for higher pay, better protections
Ohio man gets 3-year probation for threatening New Mexico DA