Tom Jones Speaks Out About Sexual Assault Allegations

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Sir Tom Jones has opened up about the sexual harassment he experienced earlier in his career, admitting: ‘I felt terrible’.

In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein allegations, the 77-year-old crooner is keen to stress how men can also be victims of sexual abuse and harassment in the entertainment industry.

Appearing on BBC Radio 5 to discuss the sexual harassment allegations against Weinstein, Sir Tom has put forward his perspective as a long-time fixture in the music industry.

According to Sir Tom, the incidents which are being alleged within the film industry are prevalent within the music industry:

Things have always happened in the music industry as well.

There’s been people complaining about publicists and different things they’ve been expected to do to get a record contract, just like a film contract.

When asked about his own personal experiences, the Welsh singer made the following shocking revelation:

There were a few things like that. But you avoid it. You just walk out…

But what’s tried on women is tried on men as well.

You think: ‘Well, I’ve got to get away from this person and it can’t be like this.’

The Delilah singer continued:

You should know that yourself, you don’t do things just because you think: ‘I should do this.’

Your own mind will tell you that.

Not just in show business, but in any thing you’re in.

In relation to the incidents he himself suffered, he explained:

It wasn’t bad, just somebody tried to pull… it was a question and I said, ‘No, thank you.’

Sir Tom also spoke about those who go public to name their abusers, after an assault has been covered up:

Things happen in show-business, and sometimes things are covered up and then they come to light and other people come forward – it’s like taking the cork off of a bottle.

But justice will out. If you’ve done something wrong you’ve got to pay for it, or prove that you haven’t done anything wrong

Jones isn’t the only male celebrity who has spoken out about their experiences of harassment in the wake of the Weinstein allegations.

300,000 men reportedly joined in with the #metoo campaign, including Supernatural actor Jensen Ackles who tweeted, ‘For my wife, for my daughters, for all women…I stand with all of you. This has gotta change. #metoo #nomore’.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine actor Terry Crews bravely shared his own story of sexual assault in a series of tweets.

Terry relayed the following distressing story:

This whole thing with Harvey Weinstein is giving me PTSD. Why? Because this kind of thing happened to ME.

My wife n I were at a Hollywood function last year n a high level Hollywood executive came over 2 me and groped my privates.

Jumping back I said What are you doing?! My wife saw everything n we looked at him like he was crazy. He just grinned like a jerk.

Hopefully high profile men coming forward to break the silence will inspire other male victims to speak up about their own experiences.

If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact Samaritans anonymously on 116 123.

Julia Banim

Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.