The Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment scandal has opened up a can of worms in Hollywood, one that should have been opened up years ago. Now that accusations against the former film mogul have come to light, many people, celebrities and regular folks alike, have been taking to social media to share their stories as victims of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape at the hands of those more powerful than them. Rose McGowan admitted that she was raped by Weinstein when she was younger, and her Twitter account was later suspended for a short period of time.
Her "Charmed" co-star Alyssa Milano began the "#MeToo" campaign, which encouraged victims to come forward with their stories. Another actress has come forward with her own story and this time, it's "Superstore" star America Ferrera.
#MeToo pic.twitter.com/JQRASxZ92R
— America Ferrera (@AmericaFerrera) October 17, 2017
Actress shares her sexual assault story
The 33-year old "Superstore" actress, who rose to fame with the "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" films and "Ugly Betty" TV show came forward on social media, sharing her own sexual assault experience. America Ferrera wrote a succinct note, revealing that when she was just nine years old, she was "sexually assaulted" by a "grown man." She kept quiet about the incident because she believed that she was "somehow responsible for the actions" of her perpetrator.
She also shared that she had to see him on a regular basis and act like nothing had happened. The award-winning actress wrote that she was forced to act amicably towards the man and pretend that nothing had happened between them, despite what they both knew - that he had sexually assaulted a child.
America Ferrera encourages victims to stand up
The "Superstore" actress has long been an advocate for women's rights. PEOPLE reported that during the Women's March in Washington D.C., the actress spoke out about how people must how people must "widen our perspective" on current issues and human rights. Ferrera currently appears on the NBC workplace comedy, "Superstore," which also talks about the current issues surrounding today's society, including teenage pregnancy and immigration.
As a Latina, the actress is also passionate about immigration issues and even appeared in the video for Immigrant Heritage Month last June. The actress also actively campaigned alongside Hillary Clinton in the recent elections. Ferrera stars in "Superstore" on NBC, airing on Thursdays at 8 p.m.