Terry Crews has responded to fans who’ve asked why he didn’t ‘beat up’ the man who sexually assaulted him.
Often recognised by his muscles and dancing pecs, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and White Chicks star Crews has been asked why he didn’t simply take physical action against the man.
Crews spoke about the incident on Twitter last year, and more recently in front of the US Senate committee, while testifying in favour of a proposed legislation, known as the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights.
A question which has been raised in response to Crews’ story was ‘why didn’t you beat him up’?
Crews is a man who’s not only known for his acting, but for his career in NFL football as a linebacker.
For a lot of fans, he’s also synonymous with strength and a muscular physique.
Senator Dianne Feinstein had a similar question, asking Crews why, as a ‘big, powerful man’, he did not try to fight back against his attacker.
Crews shared his responses to the questions on Twitter:
In front of the Senate, Crews explained how, in being sexually assaulted, his attacker showed he held the power, and was the one in control of the situation.
Crews said:
The assault lasted only minutes, but what he was effectively telling me while he held my genitals in his hand, was that he held the power. That he was in control.
This is how toxic masculinity permeates culture.
Crews explained in his tweets last year – as well as in his recent speech – he thought about fighting back against the man, but stopped himself.
He believed if he took such a course of action, the media would report a twisted version of events, and he’d probably end up in jail.
Similarly, he said to the Senate:
As a black man in America, you only have a few shots at success, you only have a few chances to make yourself a viable member of the community.
I’m from Flint, Michigan. I have seen many young black men who were provoked into violence.
They were in prison or they were killed. They’re not here.
Crews described how his wife had helped him prepare for a situation like the one he endured:
She trained me and told me if this situation happens, let’s leave, and the training worked because I did not go into my first reaction. The training worked.
But the next day I went right to the agency and — I have texts, I have my own conversations — and I told them this is unacceptable.
Crews’ Brooklyn Nine-Nine co-star, Andy Samberg, told the Associated Press he was proud to know Crews, speaking about how him and his fellow cast mates praised the star for speaking out.
He said:
We have a cast text chain and we were all texting him how incredible it was. He’s a miracle. Terry’s the best guy. I am proud to know him.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 802 9999 (12-2:30 and 7-9:30). They also offer a victim support line on 0808 168 9111.
Male Survivors Partnership is available to support adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape. You can contact the organisation on its website or on its helpline – 0808 800 5005.
Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.