Michael rainey jr. gay

Performer Michael Rainey Jr. has decided to speak publicly after a video seemed to indicate he was subjected to a sexual assault during a live online broadcast.

On Monday, via an Instagram story, the twenty-three-year-old 'Power' lead stated that he remains "still in shock" and is not entirely certain "how to fully process what transpired last night." This event took place during a live stream hosted by Tylil James, the proprietor of "The Tylil Show" on Twitch, a prominent live video platform where he has amassed over one hundred thousand followers.

Footage disseminated across social media networks displayed Rainey positioned in a crowded space during the live stream, at which juncture a woman seemingly reached for his groin area, resulting in his clear discomfort. The hand of the female perpetrator is, however, partially hidden within the video by a couple of young children.

The actor articulated that the incident was an unfortunate situation which he did not condone whatsoever. He further explained that he could not treat it lightly, given his understanding that he would face severe repercussions if the roles were reversed.

The purported assault transpired while other individuals participating in the live stream were immersed in conversation, and it appeared they did not immediately become aware of the incident.

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He further appended that, in his view, sexual assault is never acceptable, irrespective of an individual's gender or social standing. He emphasized that all people are fundamentally human, and thus, mutual respect is essential; moreover, he highlighted the paramount importance of always maintaining self-respect.

Contact has been made with Rainey's representatives by USA TODAY.

Rainey is widely recognized for his portrayal of Tariq St. Patrick within the "Power" franchise, including his work on "Power Book II: Ghost." The debut of the first portion of its concluding season occurred in New York City during the past week, with its subsequent launch on Starz last Friday.

His acting credits additionally encompass roles in "Orange Is the New Black," alongside appearances in feature films such as "The Butler" and "Barbershop: The Next Cut."

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Via an Instagram story, James extended his apologies to Rainey, disclosing that the woman who seemingly engaged in the unwelcome physical contact was, in fact, his own sister. He elaborated that his younger sister had been entirely in error and behaved inappropriately, further stressing that her conduct was highly unsuitable and unacceptable, and that he was genuinely mortified and repulsed by her actions.

James pledged to implement "extreme precautions with future streams to avoid similar issues," and furthermore indicated that he has prohibited his sister from participating in them. He explicitly stated that he does not condone any form of assault.

50 Cent, co-creator of 'Power,' seemingly minimizes the alleged assault on Michael Rainey Jr.

50 Cent, the hip-hop artist and co-creator of the "Power" franchise, utilized Instagram earlier this week to address the purported assault, seemingly trivializing the event within a post that has since been removed.

50 Cent wrote, as captured in a screenshot shared by Complex, that he questioned whether the incident truly constituted sexual assault, suggesting that from a male perspective, it was merely an aggressive advance. He then, with apparent levity, stated that Rainey was fine and that no charges were being pursued, incorporating emojis that conveyed questioning and dismissal.

Individuals in the comments section swiftly came to Rainey's defense and challenged the hip-hop star's interpretation of events. One user, by way of example, wrote that the incident undeniably constituted sexual assault, as the perpetrator had touched him without his consent, and implored others not to trivialize the situation.

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Within the comments section of Rainey's most recently published Instagram post, several fans strongly encouraged the actor to initiate legal proceedings.

A particular comment, which garnered over three thousand likes, urged him to file charges against the individual, stressing that had the circumstances been inverted, he would have found himself incarcerated.

Furthermore, another admirer penned a message conveying regret for what transpired to Michael, stating that the woman's actions were unequivocally wrong, and lamenting the tendency for such incidents to be dismissed or treated as humorous when they befall men.

In his Instagram story, James communicated his respect for whatever course of action Michael decided upon in this particular circumstance.

Should you or an acquaintance have undergone sexual violence, RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline provides complimentary, discreet, round-the-clock assistance to survivors and their close ones, available in both English and Spanish, via: 800-656-HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org and en Español RAINN.org/es.

Additional reporting provided by: Taijuan Moorman