This archive report was first published on 10 September 2019.
Camila Mendes, the 25-year-old star of Riverdale, has spoken out about a traumatic experience from her college days. In an interview with Women's Health, published in October 2019, she revealed that she was roofied and sexually assaulted during her freshman year at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.
After leaving her Florida prep school, Mendes found it difficult to adjust to college life. She recalled making 'shy friends' in the beginning of her freshman year, describing it as being in 'training wheels'. However, it was during this time that she experienced a harrowing incident that left her with emotional scars.
Speaking about the assault, Mendes said, 'I had a very, very bad experience; I was roofied by someone who sexually assaulted me. That set me on a whole inner turmoil.'
Despite the trauma she endured, Mendes found solace in her friendship with a classmate from high school, who also attended NYU. She credited this friend with providing her with stability and strength during a tumultuous period.
Mendes has also used her experiences to inform her personal growth. She got a tattoo on her ribs, which reads 'to build a home', as a reminder to focus on building a sense of self and a supportive environment.
