Model-turned-actress Jaime King has revealed she is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, thanking Lady Gaga for motivating her to speak out.
King took to Instagram to publicly thank her husband, friends and support network for standing by her and loving her during the most difficult of times.
Posting an image of herself aged 14, King later revealed that she was just 12 when the abuse began.
Having been prompted by Lady Gaga’s stunning Oscars performance on Sunday night – where she was joined on stage by victims of sexual assault – King decided she wanted to share her own story.
Thanking herself for her decision to reveal her past and her support network, she wrote:
‘SURVIVOR – Thank you@kyle_newman for loving me whole | My children | @lenadunham for her relentless bravery that always leads my Spirit to stand up| Dr. Randy Harris for YEARS of empathy | Michael Hayes @awaketolove~ there are no words | Dr. Allan Phillips |@erikaklein | @ladygaga | #DianeWarrenfor breaking me whole last night and tonight| TS I love you for being there no matter what| Thank you to the only people I have told | Thank you to@damhave ~ you know why | Thank you@hooligandreamer| Thank you@amandadecadenet | Thank you to@unwomen & all organizations that have tirelessly worked to somehow comfort & make right | Thank you to myself to not choosing to not make this a cover story though that was what was suggested to me but to express from my heart to you all personally which felt the most honest way for me to speak | Thank you to my Soul, body, mind, emotions, my inner child, my younger self, I love you. It’s a night of celebration, of
change, of not being ashamed of your race, creed color, situation, circumstances and environment, or past. Now I am free, somewhat. Thank you for the switch that went off inside finally when I realized my silence said I cannot help nor change and that is not who I am. I love you all very much for creating a safe space. The time is now. I was about 14 here, it started at 12.
Peace Be Still ❤’
If you, or someone close to you, are affected by the issues in this story, you can find confidential information and support services online at Women’s Aid or at the Rape Crisis Centre.
Alternatively, you can call Women’s Aid on Freephone: 1800 341 900
