logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Ex 'Rookie' Star Afton Williamson Opens up about Abuse at Age 6 for 4 Years at Babysitter's House

Monica Otayza
Aug 18, 2019
04:00 A.M.

After revealing that she quit her show because two of her co-workers were sexually and verbally abusing her, Afton Williamson reveals that this was not the first time she was scarred by sexual abuse.

Advertisement

In fact, on a recent Instagram post of Maya Angelou's book, "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings," the actress revealed that she was abused at six-years-old by someone at her babysitter's house. What made everything even more painful, was that her own family did not believe her and they sent her back to the same house the following day.

Advertisement

Detailing the traumatic situation on Instagram, she wrote: “I was sexually abused at a babysitter’s home when I was 6 years old. I told. I was sent back the next day. I was abused for the next 4 years.”

The Aftermath of Early Abuse

That situation would end with her suffering from PTSD and hair loss, but it was also during those times where she found solace in God.

Advertisement

“At 13, I started losing my hair to PTSD. So I shaved my head. That’s how I entered high school. I was terrified but I was strong. It was during these 4 years that God spoke to me. Told me who I was. Showed me what I would become. The isolation of being different pushed me so close to Him it was just the 2 of us. He told me I had to fight. So I did.”

Hoping for a fresh start

After being able to stand on her own, she left her hometown of Toledo, Ohio after graduating from college and graduate school, hoping for a fresh new start.

Sadly, the cycle of abuse never stopped and she had to deal with torment from abusive relationships, toxic friendships, and sexual abuse from people whom she thought were her friends.

Advertisement

“Over the years, as I was fighting everything and everyone it seemed, I had to fight my past. My present. The abuse never stopped. Abusive relationships, toxic friendships, multiple rapes: the last one 3wks before college graduation, a guy I called ‘friend,'” she recalled.

Coping through the years

However, despite all the cycles of torment that she had to endure through the years, it is only now that she found peace, thanks to her courage to speak up.

Advertisement

“I grew more and more successful and thought the pain was gone. It was ever-present, 20yr battle with Bulimia, suicide attempt; wrist tattoos to celebrate 10yrs of no cutting.I never felt pretty. I never felt good. I never had peace. Until now. Abuse is a devil that robs us of our True Identity. It is a Liar. It is in my recovery from all of the pain and brokenness that I am walking in my Truth. God reminded me that I have been assigned a Tribe. A Tribe of Survivors. I owe you my Truth. To whom much is given, much is required. I am Free. May My Truth be a Light. A path to Yours. Afton”

Opening Up about "The Rookie" Abusers

Before opening up about the abuse she received as a child, she first revealed that she was abused on the set of her show, "The Rookie."

She named actor Demetrius Grosse and Hair Department Head Sally Nicole Ciganovich as her abusers, and the two are now being investigated by the network following the accusations.

Advertisement
Advertisement
info

The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, and images contained on news.AmoMama.com, or available through news.AmoMama.com is for general information purposes only. news.AmoMama.com does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider.

info

news.AmoMama.com does not support or promote any kind of violence, self-harm, or abusive behavior. We raise awareness about these issues to help potential victims seek professional counseling and prevent anyone from getting hurt. news.AmoMama.com speaks out against the above mentioned and news.AmoMama.com advocates for a healthy discussion about the instances of violence, abuse, sexual misconduct, animal cruelty, abuse etc. that benefits the victims. We also encourage everyone to report any crime incident they witness as soon as possible.

Related posts
Paula and Tony Hudgell | Tony Hudgell | Source: Instagram/tonyhudgell.bem

Paula, Adoptive Mother of 10-Year-Old Tony Hudgell, Sparks Buzz with Surgery Update – Photo

April 15, 2026

Coleen Nolan | Source: Getty Images

Coleen Nolan Stuns in Yellow Dress and Looks Slimmer than Ever as She Admits She's Been Trolled over Dramatic Weight Loss

March 04, 2026

Aldon Smith | Source: Getty Images

Former NFL Star Aldon Smith's Final Moments: Timeline Reveals His Last Act of Kindness Before Friend's Discovery

June 15, 2026

Mariah Carey | Source: Getty Images

Mariah Carey's Candid Rock Hall Response Goes Viral After Latest Snub — Video

April 21, 2026

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas | Source: Getty Images

Catherine Zeta-Jones, 56, Sparks Discussion with Her Latest Photo — From Rumours of Facial Tweaks to Her Relationship with Michael Douglas

April 07, 2026

Coleen Nolan | Source: Getty Images

'Loose Women' Star Coleen Nolan, 61, Shows Off 3.5-Stone Weight Loss in Sheer Top as Fans Say She Looks 20 Years Younger — Photos

April 27, 2026

Amanda Holden | Source: Getty Images

Amanda Holden at 55: The Affair, the Loss of Her Son, and Her Life Today as a Mom of Two Daughters — Photos

April 01, 2026

Sheryl Underwood | Source: Getty Images

Tony Hinchcliffe Sparks Massive Backlash Over Sheryl Underwood Remark That Crossed the Line

May 12, 2026

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon | Source: Getty Images

Mariah Carey Celebrates Twins' 15th Birthday, Igniting Reactions Over Daughter's New Look — Photos

May 01, 2026

Christina Applegate | Source: Getty Images

Christina Applegate Reveals She Is Now Largely Confined to Her Bed Due to Multiple Sclerosis

March 06, 2026

Rihanna | Source: Getty Images

Rihanna's Beverly Hills Home Came Under Fire While She Was Inside – All Details

March 09, 2026