James Van Der Beek says he's been sexually harassed by 'older, powerful men'
In the wake of numerous sexual misconduct claims against producer Harvey Weinstein, actor James Van Der Beek shared that he, too, has been "grabbed by older, powerful men" in Hollywood.
"I've had them corner me in inappropriate sexual conversations when I was much younger," the "Dawson's Creek" alum tweeted, adding, "I understand the unwarranted shame, powerlessness & inability to blow the whistle. There's a power dynamic that feels impossible to overcome."
Van Der Beek did not name the men who had touched him inappropriately.
I understand the unwarranted shame, powerlessness & inability to blow the whistle. There’s a power dynamic that feels impossible to overcome
— James Van Der Beek (@vanderjames) October 12, 2017
The revelation came after Van Der Beek, 40, tweeted in support of Weinstein's accusers.
"What Weinstein is being accused of is criminal," Van Der Beek wrote. "What he's admitted to is unacceptable – in any industry. I applaud everybody speaking out."
For anyone judging the women who stayed silent, read this for perspective. Also for anyone brushing off harassment as “boys being boys.” https://t.co/UX9xWxpn2K
— James Van Der Beek (@vanderjames) October 12, 2017
What Weinstein is being accused of is criminal. What he’s admitted to is unacceptable - in any industry. I applaud everybody speaking out.
— James Van Der Beek (@vanderjames) October 12, 2017
Van Der Beek isn't the first man to share his own sexual assault story. Actor and former NFL linebacker Terry Crews tweeted Tuesday that he had been groped by a "high level Hollywood executive."
