Anthony Edwards Writes Essay Accusing Gary Goddard Of Molesting Him As A Child

Actor Anthony Edwards, star of ER and Top Gun, wrote a powerful essay published on Friday, accusing writer and producer Gary Goddard of molesting him when he was a child.

Edward’s essay, which he published Friday morning on Medium, titled “Yes Mom, There is Something Wrong,” describes his mother asking him about rumors of Goddard being a pedophile, which he denied through tears. Edward’s wrote, “To face that truth was not an option as my sense of self was completely enmeshed in my gang of five friends who were all led by this sick father figure.” He then went on to accuse Goddard, whom he referred to as a “mentor, teacher and friend,” of molesting him for years.

Sam Singer, Goddard’s spokesman, called the accusation “disturbing.” In a statement issued Friday night Singer said, “Gary played an important role in helping start Anthony’s acting career and acted as his person manager. He has nothing but the greatest respect for Anthony as a person. Gary is saddened by the false allegations.” 

Edward’s essay addressed how he dealt with the abuse. “The resulting damage to the emotional development of a child is deep and unforgivable. Only after I was able to separate my experience, process it, and put it in its place could I accept the truth: My abuse may always be with me, but it does not own me.” His comments only helping others to get through such a traumatic experience, ‘it does not own me.’ Shame can thrive easily when we are isolated, but it loses its power when people come together to share their common experiences.”

Edwards also reveals in his essay that 22 years after the abuse, he confronted Goddard about the alleged abuse during an encounter at the airport. Edward’s wrote that, “He swore to his remorse and said that he had gotten help. I felt a temporary sense of relief.”

This is not the first time Goddard has been accused of sexual misconduct. In 2014, Goddard and X-Men director Bryan Singer were named in lawsuits alleging that they had sexually abused two different teenage boys. Goddard’s spokesman said that both suits were dismissed against his client because the complaint “was completely fabricated, and ultimately withdrawn by the complainant and his attorneys.”