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‘He expected me to shut my mouth and smile’ – America Ferrera reveals she was sexually assaulted in heartbreaking Instagram post

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PHOTO: Gallo Images/Getty Images
PHOTO: Gallo Images/Getty Images

Cape Town - America Ferrera has broken her silence and revealed that she was sexually assaulted when she was just nine years old.

The 33-year-old former Ugly Betty actress shared her sexual assault story as she joined the #MeToo social media movement, in which people shared their sexual harassment, assault or abuse stories.

“First time I can remember being sexually assaulted I was 9 years old,” America wrote on Instagram. “I told no one and lived with the shame and guilt thinking all along that I, a 9 year old child, was somehow responsible for the actions of a grown man.”

#metoo

A post shared by America Ferrera (@americaferrera) on

The Superstore actress describes how she was forced to be around her abuser which caused her a tremendous amount of heartache and pain.

“I had to see this man on a daily basis for years to come.

“He would smile at me and wave, and I would hurry past him, my blood running cold, my guts carrying the burden of what only he & I knew — that he expected me to shut my mouth and smile back,” she wrote.

America, who’s been applauded by her fans for sharing her story, now encourages all women to speak up against abuse so that future generations won’t ever have to experience sexual harassment.

“Ladies, let’s break the silence so the next generation of girls won’t have to live with this bullshit,” she added.

According to Metro News, an array of celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Beckinsale, and Angeline Jolie have come forward in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment allegations to share and speak against sexual abuse.

Sources: people.com, metro.co.uk, vulture.com

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