"ER" star Anthony Edwards claims he was molested by Hollywood producer Gary Goddard when he was just a child.
The actor, 55, came forward with these allegations in an essay published Friday to Medium, in which he says he was 12 years old when he first met Goddard, who he began to look at as a father figure.
"He taught me about the value of acting, respect for friendship, and the importance of studying," Edwards wrote. "Pedophiles prey on the weak."
He says his group of friends all looked up to Goddard, and claims he wasn't the only one abused by the filmmaker.
"I was molested by Goddard, my best friend was raped by him _ and this went on for years," Edwards wrote. "The group of us, the gang, stayed quiet."
"Why? One of the most tragic effects of sexual abuse in children is that the victims often feel deeply responsible _ as if it is somehow their fault," he said. "With their sick form of control, abusers exploit a child's natural desire to bond."
Edwards even denied Goddard's alleged actions to his mother when he was 14, he said, through "tears of complete panic."
Edwards says he crossed paths with Goddard 22 years ago at an airport, where he confronted the producer about his abuse. Goddard told him he had gotten help and expressed his remorse, Edwards claims.
An attorney for Goddard, 63, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The actor's essay comes three years after Goddard, Bryan Singer and a pair of other film executives were hit by a sexual abuse lawsuit filed by Michael Egan. The suit was ultimately dropped.
Goddard directed the 1987 superhero movie "Masters of the Universe," which starred Dolph Lundgren as He-Man, and created the TV series "Captain Power" and "Mega Babies," in addition to producing multiple plays over the years.
Edwards is known for portraying Dr. Mark Greene on the medical drama "ER" and as Goose in the 1986 action movie "Top Gun."
