7th Heaven alums Beverley Mitchell, David Gallagher and Mackenzie Rosman are addressing their former costar Stephen Collins’ past sexual abuse.
In the Sept. 26 episode of their new rewatch podcast, Catching Up With the Camdens, the trio spoke out against their TV dad’s controversy ahead of watching the show’s pilot episode.
“We want you to know that we see all of your comments and we know how excited you all are for the rewatch, but before we get into that we do think it’s important that we say something about Stephen Collins,” Mitchell, who played Lucy Camden, began.
Gallagher, who starred as Simon Camden, then said, “All forms of abuse, sexual abuse of any kind, it’s inexcusable. And victims of abuse need to be shown compassion and they should be given support.”
“As we rewatch these episodes, it would be impossible not to talk about Stephen because he was such a big part of the show and our lives, but we want to be clear that we did not have any inappropriate experiences with Stephen,” Rosman, who played Ruthie Camden, added.
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Mitchell went on to assure listeners that the cast does not “excuse or condone” Collins’ misconduct.
“Our hope for this podcast is to reconnect with you, our fans, to relive some 90s nostalgia and to share our fondest memories of 7th Heaven,” she said.
Gallagher concluded by saying that they are aware of the impact rewatching the show can have on viewers and expressing their appreciation for their fans.
“We know this is difficult and we understand that it can be triggering but we want to say that we love you guys and we are so grateful for all the love and support that you, our community, have shown to us. So, hopefully, you guys will stick with us as we continue on this journey.”
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In 2014, Collins admitted to “inappropriate sexual conduct with three female minors” between the years of 1973 and 1994 after TMZ obtained a recording of him speaking about his participation in child molestation. He later gave a lengthy statement to PEOPLE detailing the abuse and apologizing for his behavior.
“Forty years ago, I did something terribly wrong that I deeply regret. I have been working to atone for it ever since,” he began. “I’ve decided to address these issues publicly because two months ago, various news organizations published a recording made by my then-wife, Faye Grant, during a confidential marriage therapy session in January 2012. This session was recorded without the therapist’s or my knowledge or consent.”
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“On the recording, I described events that took place 20, 32 and 40 years ago,” Collins, who was known for his role on 7th Heaven as Reverend Eric Camden for all 11 seasons, continued. “The publication of the recording has resulted in assumptions and innuendos about what I did that go far beyond what actually occurred. As difficult as this is, I want people to know the truth.”
“I did have an opportunity to do so with one of the women, 15 years later. I apologized and she was extraordinarily gracious. But after I learned in the course of my treatment that my being direct about such matters could actually make things worse for them by opening old wounds, I have not approached the other two women, one of whom is now in her 50s and the other in her 30s.”
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
