This archive report was first published on 24 October 2019.
Surviving Trauma: 6 Prominent Celebrities Who Overcame Rape ¶
Published on October 24, 2019
rape is a heinous crime that leaves deep scars on its victims. However, some individuals have chosen to rise above their traumatic experiences and use their platforms to help others.
Here are six prominent celebrities who have spoken out about their experiences with rape and gone on to build successful careers.
1. Adelle Onyango ¶
Former Kiss 100 presenter Adelle Onyango was raped in 2008 by a stranger while leaving a house party. She has since spoken about how she overcame the ordeal, crediting therapy for helping her pick up the broken pieces of her life.
“I went through a lot of counselling. Consciously, I was able to pick up the broken pieces in my life with the aid of a therapist,” she said in a past interview.
2. Brenda Jons ¶
Brenda Jons, the brains behind Prezdent Kingston, has spoken about being sexually abused by her uncles and a pastor. She was just five years old when her uncle first raped her, and the abuse continued until she was 12.
“I HAVE BEEN A RAPE VICTIM BEFORE. THE FIRST TIME I WAS FIVE WHEN MY UNCLE RAPED ME AND HE WOULD DO IT CONTINUALLY. HE THREATENED TO KILL ME INCASE I REPORTED HIM,” she narrated during an interview with Betty Kyallo.
3. Tyler Perry ¶
Actor and director Tyler Perry was raped by the mother of a childhood friend when he was a child. The woman held him hostage in her house until he had sex with her.
4. Oprah Winfrey ¶
Talk show host Oprah Winfrey was raped by a relative when she was just nine years old. She has been vocal about her experience and has helped many other victims move past their horrific pasts.
5. Mike Tyson ¶
Boxing champion Mike Tyson revealed in 2014 that he was sexually abused when he was seven years old. He was briefly kidnapped off the street by a man he did not know and was subjected to a one-time abuse.
6. Queen Latifah ¶
Rapper and actress Queen Latifah was sexually abused by a babysitter as a child. She has since spoken out about her experience and used her platform to help others who have gone through similar ordeals.
