Sheryl Lee Ralph, who had her acting debut in the 1977 comedy film A Piece of the Action, has claimed that she was sexually assaulted at a business function years ago by a “famous TV judge.” She made the surprising findings on the podcast The Way Up With Angela Lee. The 66-year-old further alleged that network executives saw the assault but encouraged her to keep quiet in order to avoid “bad press.”
Recalling the incident, Ralph said, “I’m at a very public place. I was suited. I had my suit on. I was handling my business for the television show I was on at that time. He and I were on the same network.” She further added, “This man walked in, grabbed me by the back of my neck, turned me around, and rammed his nasty ass tongue down my throat. And everybody at the network saw it.”
Ralph reported the frightening incident in the podcast to urge other women and actors to speak up for themselves
Ralph reported the frightening incident in the podcast to urge other women and actors to speak up for themselves, without exposing the name of the accused assaulter or the network or show with which she was working at the time. Ralph also made a point of noting that it was not Judge Greg Mathis. “I adore him. “He’s a wonderful man,” she added, before adding, “But not him.” He’s a wonderful man. This was yet another.” “Speak up, tell your truth, do not carry the burden of the pain… especially if you feel like it’s something you can’t work through,” Ralph said.
Ralph even indicated that she wanted to report the incident at the time and called former New Orleans mayor Marc Morial, who served from 1994 to 2002. According to Ralph, the mayor instantly defended her, asking, “Do you want me to send the police there right now?” Because, you know what, we’re going to repair this!” She remained silent, though, due to the network. When Marc Morial was president, Ralph was featured in the UPN series Moesha.
“Somebody on the network tapped me on the shoulder saying, ‘Please don’t,'” Ralph shared, adding, “They did not want any bad press around their show, and did not care what had just happened to me.” She concluded by saying that women are afraid of being criticized or silenced if they speak up about such assaults.