Actress Tiffany Haddish may be known for delivering the laughs but she’s disclosing a serious life-changing experience for the first time. The “Girls Trip” star said that when she was 17-years-old a police cadet raped her.
“That whole experience put me in such a messed-up place for a long time, and I ended up going to counseling,” she told Glamour magazine for its September cover story.
Although she reported the incident when it occurred, she still wrestles with what she sees as justice for her situation.
“Me just yelling out people’s names with no thought behind it is pointless. I need a plan,” she explained. “I could be a voice, but what’s a voice going to do — just keep talking? Or is there action behind it?”
As a result of what happened, Haddish has developed a defense mechanism when engaging with men.
“I notice that men are afraid of women that are aggressive. So to protect myself I become semi-aggressive,” she said. “You hear about, ‘Tiffany always hitting on somebody,’ but that’s to keep them from hitting on me.”
Haddish has been open about other troubling experiences in her past before. She’s explained in her memoir, “The Last Black Unicorn,” about her experiences of growing up with an abusive mother who’s schizophrenia got her sent to a mental institution. While being brought up in the foster care system from ages 13 to 18, one of her foster dads molested her.
She also alleged her then-husband, William Stewart, abused her, which are allegations he’s denied.
In light of Haddish disclosing the trauma she experienced at 17, several fans have voiced their support.
“Glad she survived her sexual assault and has flourished as a person!”
“Good for her for opening up everyone should have a platform to speak what they believe <3.”
“Good woman! Strong too! Rising above it all🙌❤.”
“(SIGH) I’m so very sorry to know that she suffered that horrible pain. GOD BLESS and KEEP her!”
