Matthew McConaughey alleges being sexually abused as a teen
In his new memoir, Greenlights the Dallas Buyers Club star Matthew McConaughey has revealed that he was a victim of sexual abuse several times during his teenage years.
Released on Tuesday, the memoir tells the story of the 50-year-old actor’s life through moments he identifies as green, yellow or red lights — events that caused him to advance, pause or stop altogether, according to Variety.
The Oscar-winning actor then detailed how each moment taught him a lesson and helped him move forward.
The book opens with McConaughey sharing several facts about himself, including his personal experience with sexual abuse. He goes on to reveal that his first time having sex was not consensual, and that he was “blackmailed” into it.
“I was blackmailed into having sex for the first time. I was 15,” McConaughey writes in his memoir. “I was certain I was going to hell for the premarital sex. Today, I am merely certain that I hope that’s not the case.”
McConaughey also reveals that he was “molested by a man when [he] was 18 while knocked unconscious in the back of a van.” Although he does not include more details, McConaughey affirms that he does not consider himself a victim of the situations.
“I’ve never felt like a victim,” McConaughey writes. “I have a lot of proof that the world is conspiring to make me happy.”
McConaughey also discloses details about his parents’ tumultuous relationship, his marriage to Camila Alves and his personal philosophy in the memoir.