ER star Anthony Edwards accuses producer Gary Goddard of sexually abusing him 'for years' as a child
The producer has strenuously denied all claims levied against him
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Your support makes all the difference.Anthony Edwards penned an essay accusing writer-producer Gary Goddard of molesting him “for years” as a child.
The E.R. actor also alleged that Goddard raped his best friend in what he claims was a “pattern of abuse.”
Goddard denies all claims.
In Edwards' statement, published Friday (10 November) to Medium, he recalled meeting the producer at the age of 12 describing him both as “a dominant force in my life” and a “sick father figure.”
“My father, who suffered from undiagnosed PTSD from WWII, was not emotionally available. Everyone has the need to bond, and I was no exception. My vulnerability was exploited. I was molested by Goddard... and this went on for years."
He added that his mother approached him to ask about the rumours surrounding Goddard when he was 14 - he “denied it through tears of complete panic.”
Goddard's spokesperson Sam Singer responded to the “disturbing” accusations on his behalf, stating: “Gary first met Anthony more than 40 years ago. Gary was a mentor, teacher and a friend to Anthony, which makes this story all the more disturbing to him. As to the allegations that Mr. Edwards made in his post today, I can unequivocally deny them on Gary’s behalf.
“Gary played an important role in helping start Anthony’s acting career and acted as his personal manager. He has nothing but the greatest respect for Anthony as a person. Gary is saddened by the false allegations.”
In Edwards' emotional essay, the actor recounted running into Goddard at an airport years later, saying: “I was able to express my outrage at what he had done. He swore to his remorse and said that he had gotten help.
“I felt a temporary sense of relief. I say temporary because when Goddard appeared in the press four years ago for alleged sexual abuse, my rage resurfaced.”
Goddard's name featured in a teen sex abuse lawsuit by Michael Egan in 2014, the case of which collapsed under credibility issues.
Alluding to this in Goddard's statement, Singer added: “The post by Anthony, as well as many of the news stories today reference a legal claim made against Gary approximately four years ago regarding sexual harassment.
“The complaint was demonstrated to be fraudulent as it was completely fabricated, and ultimately withdrawn by the complainant and his attorneys.”
Top Gun actor Edward's emotional story comes in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal which has shone a light on a history of sexual misconduct in Hollywood with the careers of figures including Kevin Spacey, Brett Ratner and Louis C.K. seemingly left in tatters.
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