Sheryl Lee Ralph has opened up about her experience with sexual assault.
In an interview, the award-winning actress claimed that a “famous TV judge” sexually assaulted her. She said the network knew about the incident but told her to keep quiet.
Ralph also revealed that she was allegedly assaulted a second time by a stranger, which frustrated her and made her question her wardrobe choices.
Keep on reading to learn more.
Sheryl Lee Ralph Recounts Sexual Assault Incident
Renowned actress, Sheryl Lee Ralph, has bravely come forward with a startling revelation about being sexually assaulted by a “famous TV judge” years ago at a work event. Ralph alleged that despite several network executives witnessing the incident, they asked her not to report it, fearing “bad press.”
In an interview on the “Way Up With Angela Yee” podcast, the Emmy-winning actress shared harrowing details of the incident, stating, “this man walked in, grabbed me by the back of my neck, turned me around and rammed his nasty-a** tongue down my throat, and everybody at the network saw it.”
Recounting the experience, she told NYP, “I’m at a very public place. I was suited. I was handling my business for the television show I was then, but we were on the same network.” Although the “Abbott Elementary” star did not disclose the name of the TV judge or when the incident occurred, she clarified that it was not Judge Greg Mathis and referred to him as “a great man.”
Sheryl Lee Ralph Says The Network Protected Their Image For Fear Of ‘Bad Press’
Ralph sought help from former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial, who served from 1994 to 2002, to report the incident. She recalled that Morial immediately came to her defense, offering to send the police to address the situation and protect her.
Despite Morial’s support, Ralph’s hopes of holding her alleged assaulter accountable were dashed when a representative from the network approached her and asked that she keep quiet about the incident to avoid negative publicity.
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According to the 66-year-old, the network prioritized their show’s image over the harm done to her. “They did not want any bad press around their show and did not care what just happened to me,” she said.
Recounting the experience, Ralph expressed her frustration and disappointment with the network. She described how the network downplayed the severity of the incident, stating, “It’s not that bad. Please don’t say anything; we don’t need the bad press; it’s a brand new show. Yours is a new show.”
Sheryl Lee Ralph Questioned Her Clothing Choices After Another Assault Incident
In another heartbreaking revelation, Ralph shared that she had, again, been a victim of sexual assault by a stranger in a separate incident. The incident left her feeling violated and caused her to question her clothing choices.
While describing the incident, the “Moesha” star said that she had been wearing a knee-length skirt and a sweater blouse at the time of the assault. Despite her modest attire, Ralph was subjected to unwanted physical contact by a man she did not know.
Reflecting on the assault, Ralph expressed her disbelief and frustration at the man’s actions, stating that he had no right to touch her body without her consent.
She Received No Support When She Confronted Her Assaulter
Ralph recalled how she eventually had the opportunity to confront her assaulter years later. She found herself in the same room as the man who had assaulted her and felt compelled to confront him about his actions.
However, the reaction of those around her shocked the actress. Instead of offering support and understanding, they were appalled that she would dare stand up for herself and speak out against her assaulter. “They told me that I should be ashamed of myself, and why would I even bring that up at the dinner table,” Ralph recalled.
Despite this negative response, Ralph hopes that by sharing her story, she can inspire other survivors of sexual assault to speak out and stand up for themselves. “Speak up, tell your truth, do not carry the burden of the pain,” she said, “especially if you feel like it’s something you can’t work through.
