Terry Crews Urges Change in Mindset on Masculinity and Violence

LOS ANGELES, CA — Actor Terry Crews has shared details about his experience as a survivor of sexual assault, emphasizing the need for societal change regarding masculinity and violence. In a video released on the Rise Now USA Instagram account, Crews recounted his traumatic event, stunning many as he opened up about the necessity of addressing these issues directly.

“I am a survivor of sexual assault,” Crews stated during the video. He recalled a common question he faced after speaking publicly: ‘Why didn’t you fight back?’ posed to him directly by Senator Dianne Feinstein. He replied, “Because survival shouldn’t require violence.”

The incident that Crews referenced involved Adam Venit, a former agent at WME, who was accused of molesting him in 2016. Following the allegations, Venit departed from WME and faced legal action. Since then, Crews has been a vocal advocate for survivors of abuse.

“Men are often both the problem and the solution,” he continued in the video. “We must take responsibility, not just as individuals, but as cultures and institutions.” Crews urged for a dismantling of prevailing beliefs that equate manhood with aggression or dominance.

He stressed the importance of teaching younger generations about respect and consent. “We must teach our sons that result is non-negotiable, that consent is mandatory, and that their value is not measured by how much power they hold over others, but by how much they uplift those around them,” Crews said. He emphasized, “This is not just a women’s issue; this is a human issue, and humanity demands that we do better.”

In his journey towards healing, Crews shared a personal story involving his father. He recalled a moment when he reacted violently after witnessing his father hit his mother: “All I felt was empty. Hollow,” he said. Reflecting on his decision to punch his father, he admitted, “I thought it would feel good. And he’s on the ground, bleeding, crying, and I didn’t feel one bit better. It left me with nothing.”

Ultimately, Crews expressed the importance of forgiveness, which he managed to extend to his father. “By me forgiving him, by me finding one thing to compliment him and be thankful for, I was able to transcend that moment,” he explained. He believes this process of forgiveness allowed them both to heal and move forward.

Crews’s powerful message resonates in today’s climate, where discussions surrounding consent and male aggression are increasingly at the forefront. His ongoing commitment to advocating for survivors and fostering dialogue about healthy masculinity aims to create a safer and more supportive environment for all.