Angela Bassett Reveals She Was Sexually Molested As A Child By Mother’s Boyfriend

Hollywood star actress, Angela Bassett who recently hosted the Rape Foundation’s annual brunch has opened up about being sexually violated by her mother’s boyfriend when she was just a child.

Recounting the sexual molestation she experienced as a child during the October 6 event, the Oscar-nominated actress stressed the power in being believed as a victim. Speaking to reporters before her host duties, she revealed that she woke up to find a man her mother was dating fondling her while she was asleep.

“Fortunately, it wasn’t a complete assault, it was fondling, but it was devastating enough for a child who’s 12 or 13,” she said.

Angela Bassett | Twitter

The 61-year-old mother of two added that she is thankful to have had a supportive mother who believed her and ended the relationship when she reported to her what had happened. She added:

“Thankfully, to have a mother who could tell as soon as light broke that this happened and for her to expel him [meant a lot]. That she heard me, believed me, and did something about it, I think was so empowering for me as a young teen, as a young woman.”

Bassett who is a mother to teenage twins, Bronwyn and Slater Vance said she and her husband now make sure to teach their sons about consent and respecting boundaries. She said:

“I started that early because of experiences with friends and I know that they will be in situations one day,” she said. “When a girl says no, both to him and to her, she means no.You just want them to be aware. They’ll be in situations one day, and when a girl says no, both to him and to her, she means no.”

Bassett starred in the Oscar award-winning film, Black Panthers which set a number of records and is considered an iconic film for many Blacks.