VANESSA WILLIAMS TALKS CHILD ABUSE AND TEEN PREGNANCY WITH ‘NIGHTLINE’
Vanessa Williams is an actress and mother of four children. She recently sat down with Nightline to discuss teen pregnancy and child abuse.
During the interview, Williams revealed that she was abused as a child. “I think I was highly sexualized [as a teenager] because I was in fifth grade and I had this experience. Because it feels good, you’re like, OK, well this is supposed to be normal. That’s not normal for a 10-year-old to be seduced,” She said.
As a result of being exposed to sexual activity at a young age and thinking that seduction was normal,Vanessa became pregnant with her first child in her teen years. Williams stated, “Being pregnant is the most frightening thing that happens in your life. I knew in high school that’s something that I was not prepared to do, or fight, or struggle with.” Williams later chose to abort the child fearing her parents’ response to the news that she was pregnant.
Although molestation and abortion are not the highlights of her early years, Vanessa has no regrets about her past experiences. “I’ve learned to embrace my past. I embrace the choices that I have been given in my life,” She said.
Vanessa has written a book detailing her troubled childhood. You can pick up a copy of novel “You Have No Idea” at your local bookstore.
13 Comments to “VANESSA WILLIAMS TALKS CHILD ABUSE AND TEEN PREGNANCY WITH ‘NIGHTLINE’”
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Someone asked why (some) celebrities only reveal the CSA (Childhood Sexual Abuse) when they have a book coming out. Not really an accurate judgement in my opinion. They are writing a memoir. This is indeed, and unfortunately, part of their life. They finally feel the courage to share it, and in the process it will help the many victims of CSA. I am one, and just reading her revelation of this in a magazine helped me in ways you likely would never understand. I disagree that it’s to get more money, because actually CSA is an experience in humanity that few can stomach even hearing about. Most simply cringe and say they don’t want to hear/know. If anything, this admission would be something she realizes might cause some NOT to buy her book. I admire her courage and strength to share truth transparently about her life. Mothers of children, and victims of abuse can be helped by this.
Why would Vanessa Williams or any other woman who has experienced similar things share their memories with the public for free?
because it helps people know their not alone and especially celeberties, they have such great influence over people. maybe someone out there has suffered with sexual abuse in their past or there may be a child struggling with sexual abuse right now but are afraid to come foward. since vanessa williams i s coming out about this that child or struggling person may say “if vanessa williams came talk about her abuse, so can i.” its not good to keep things like this to yourself.
What an awesome example of a woman. I have always respected her strength of how she continued to move forward in her life after the public humiliation she suffered over the Miss America thing. She didn’t let it stop her; instead it seemed to empower her.
Who would have ever thought
Chante Moore also talked about a similiar experience. So sad
I just recently started liking Vanessa Williams I’m glad she overcame that tragedy in her life! A little part of me have to agree with @Sherley! I would of loved to have heard about this earlier!
Not knocking her as I am glad she’s able to share this with everyone. What gets me is why do celebrities only come out with this stuff when they are trying to promote a book? They say it’s to help other people, but those same people would have equally benefitted if she would have said something earlier or without trying to get monetary gain. IDK, maybe it’s just me.
So right, Sherley!! They will do and tell anything to stay in the spotlight. DH gig is over so she finds another way to make money and exploit her experiences. Cry me a river!!!
Agree. Had she disclosed this right after the nude Playboy photos surfaced and her subsequent dethroning as Miss America it would have explained her behavior and validated her even more so, in my opinion. I still respect her and all that she has overcome.
I don’t really think this is fair. The healing process for many of these situations
(abuse, assault, eating disorders, etc.) are often long. One could argue that the healing process never quite ends. There’s often a lot of shame involved and it can take years before people are even comfortable telling family and close friends, let alone the whole world. It’s not right to criticize people just because they didn’t reveal their personal traumas and struggles “soon enough” for you.
I’ll be watching…I like her!
Wow! I never new she experienced those kind of things. I feel bad for any, and every child who endured sexual, physical, or mental abuse. So many traumatic things that happen to people will have some type of effect on them. Wether it is negative or positive I hope some how they get the strength, and courage, and peace within.
I’ve always loved Vanessa Williams!