Photo: George Pimentel/Getty
The previously unnamed victim at the center of the casting controversy surroundingThe Predatorcame forward on Thursday and thankedOlivia Munnfor her support.
Paige Carnes, who is now 24,released a statement to theLos Angeles Timesrevealing her identity and speaking out for the first time about the headline-making casting. The issue came to light after Munn found out that director Shane Black cast his friend Steven Wilder Striegel in the movie, despite the fact that the actor is aregistered sex offender. (The scene in which the actor appeared has since been deleted from the film.)
In 2010, the actor, now 47, pled guilty to attempting “to lure a 14-year-old female into a sexual relationship via the internet,” theLos Angeles Timesreported. Though the victim remained unnamed since she was underage at the time of the incident, Carnes has since decided to come out publicly.
“My purpose in making this statement is to reclaim my identity,” she told theLos Angeles Times.“I was not able to speak for myself when I was 14. The consequences of this abuse are profound and permanent for some…Your abuse does not define you. With support from others and strength from within, you can overcome the label of victim and reclaim your identity.”
She continued, “Support can come in many forms. Sometimes all it takes is one person speaking up for you, acknowledging your worth as a human being. I am extremely fortunate to have a Father and Mother that love me unconditionally. My Father has supported me in my healing and growth in ways I cannot thank him enough for.”
Carnes also thanked Munn, who has repeatedly criticized Black for his decision and was the first to bring the issue to the studio before demanding that the scene be deleted if she was to keep promoting the movie.
Munn quickly replied to Carnes in a statement posted on her Twitter where she also praised her for choosing to speak out.
Munn was previously one of several women toaccuse Hollywood director Brett Ratnerof sexual misconduct or harassment, claiming that he masturbated in front of her. Ratner’s attorney Martin Singer previously told theL.A. Timesthat his client disputed her claims.
WATCH: Olivia Munn and Multiple Women Accuse Film Producer Brett Ratner of Sexual Misconduct
Striegel went on to allege that the 14-year-old girl was one of his “distant relatives” and that although he told her via email that “she was attractive and sexy,” their relationship never became physical.
Black has since apologized twice since the controversy came to light, includingan emotional apology at the film’s premierein Los Angeles on Wednesday.
“I made an error in judgement that is irresponsible — I’m not just a kid,” he told theAssociated Presson the red carpet. “This is an adult decision with real responsibilities, and I didn’t vet somebody…I was the captain of that ship. It’s my job to make sure that those things don’t happen. And I failed, and I did cause pain to the people in the cast. That’s unacceptable. I take full responsibility. I’m very deeply sorry.”
The Predatorwill be released nationwide on Sept. 14.
source: people.com
