Stephen Collins Publicly Apologizes for Molesting Three Underage Girls as His Career Sits in Ruins

Stephen Collins has decided to do something that many would have considered unthinkable. He has actually decided to admit to molesting three underage girls several decades ago in an attempt at atoning for his sins in the public eye. A few months back, Collins's divorce from Faye Grant took a particularly messy turn when recording marriage counseling sessions between the embattled couple somehow hit the press. On those audio tapes, Collins is heard discussing molesting young girls between the ages of 11 and 13 in disturbing detail. Rather than trying to make excuses, Collins instead has penned an official apology that is published in the latest copy of People magazine.

In the essay, Collins explains his reasons for coming forward now, explaining, "Forty years ago, I did something terribly wrong that I deeply regret. I have been working to atone for it ever since. I've decided to address these issues publicly because two months ago, various news organizations published a recording made by my then-wife, Faye Grant, during a confidential marriage therapy session in January, 2012. This session was recorded without the therapist's or my knowledge or consent. On the recording, I described events that took place 20, 32, and 40 years ago. The publication of the recording has resulted in assumptions and innuendos about what I did that go far beyond what actually occurred. As difficult as this is, I want people to know the truth."

Collins also says that he has contacted one of the three women to apologize for his actions and claims she was gracious. He has declined to reach out to the other women because he has been advised that it could actually be more harmful to dig up the trauma for them. As for Collins, his career has taken a nosedive since this scandal broke, so at this point he may feel like just owning it and apologizing may somehow be a better course of action.

Do you think Collins apologized in the hopes of salvaging his career, or has this weighed as heavily on him as he claims? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.

Tags

Letter, Career, Ruined, Apology