While speaking to three members of Eddie Long's congregation over the weekend, CNN anchor Don Lemon dropped a bombshell: as a child, he was the victim of sexual abuse. By now, you're well aware that Bishop Eddie Long is being accused of forcing four young men into sexual relationships. For Lemon, this story wasn't merely a hot topic or a potential ratings-getter. It was personal.
"I have never admitted this on TV," said Lemon. "I'm a victim of a pedophile when I was a kid. Someone who was much older than me."
Later in the interview, Lemon said that these kinds of serious issues often get swept under the rug in the black community.
"The things these men were talking about, especially African American men don't want to talk about . . . I couldn't tell my mom that until I was 30 years old."
It's rare for anyone to come out and admit that they've been sexually abused, but for an African American man to do it, it speaks volumes. Public figures such as Don Lemon, Laveranues Coles, and others who are willing to shed light on a subject that's too often kept in the dark should be applauded.
In the vertical column to the left, watch Don Lemon, in a discussion regarding Bishop Eddie Long, admit that he's a victim of sexual abuse.
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Comments
I don't know about applauding anything. Molestation in general, whether it's male or female is something that should never take place but since there's men speaking up about it they should be applauded? Well, thanks for being there for young men around the World who are affected by this Behavior but also young females as well. parents should be careful about who they leave they're children with even if they're teenagers. You have to protect these kids, to prevent things like this from happening. AMEN
I think people should be applauded for speaking out against it in general and they do. And most people (men and women) tend to get applauded when they come out and bring up the fact that it happened to them
I think people applaud those that come out is because this has been an issue that has been swept under the rug for a long time and by people saying it happened to them it raises awareness of the issue.
But people of both genders tend not to want to bring up it happened to them because of the shame. But men have an added shame of not only having to be sexually abused but living in a society where they worry if they come out it would also cause people to question their manhood. So men tend to be even more silent then women about bringing up the fact that they have been sexually abused.
Don Lemon is very good at his job. I hope his admission doesn't harm his career. Pray for him and other victims.
I watch this interview with Don and the three young members of New Birth and as I watched I felt a deep and sincere , almost desperate desire in Don to reach them. It was as if he so wanted to protect them, if not physically, but emotionally not to put too much blind faith in man.
Because I myself have experienced a similar pain I felt a deep relationship to Don and a need to reach these young men and woman, I so wanted to protect them from the pain of trusting too much in someone that may not deserve this level of trust you feel and need to have in them.
I know what it's like to be hurt and disappointed by a pastor who you have so much hope in. In many ways it is a deeper disappointment than the lost of a loved one because it makes you question all the messages, all the truths of a Christian experience. Though faith if God remains strong, it surely lets you know that you had better watch as well as pray! Makes it kind of hard to be in a Christian relationship with other believers, because now I'm left second guessing ALL .
I truly gained a greater admiration for Don, it takes great love for others to reveal such deep pain, it showed that there is healing after such an experience.
Don, thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
I was sexually violated when I was in my teens. I am a
black male, now 67 years of age. In my 30's I was able
to share what happened at a workshop and discovered that this is much more common than most
people admit. I have been able to forgive my cousin who was responsible. The curious thing is that I knew he was a good person and in his own way thought highly of me. He was deceased before I was able to
confront him, but I believe our conversation would have been real and he would have answered my questions.
Later in life I was inappropriate with my step daughter without any sexual contact and was confronted. I admitted what I had done and our family sought therapy. I learned something about myself and what
led me to this behavior. Thank God I was helped before I crossed over the line. I knew what I did was
wrong and admitting it to my wife and family was a
powerful thrust towards healing. Because of this I am a better person and am more centered in my own
sexuality.
It is clear to me that our culture does not provide sexual education / preparation for children. In our homes, schools and religious institutions there is
very limited healthy sexual teaching. My experience in the church showed me that there was a double standard and many did not live in sync with the
religious teachings. At first I was disillusioned, but over time began to understand that human nature is
flawed. Everyone, including our religious leaders are
prone to make mistakes and this is basic to our existence in this world. Many seem not willing
to face their weaknesses, especially our leaders.
I am proud that Don Lemon has spoken openly about
his own experience. I happen to be from Baton Rouge which I think is his hometown. We can all do better; yes we can!
I was also abused as a kid. An uncle and a family friend. It is so crippling to have as a secret. SO much self hate, second guessing, guilt and shame. So many people that don't want to listen or believe you. I talked about it in a room full of Christian folks once and it took all I had just to do that. So my props to Mr Lemon. Never put a muzzle over your pain. Share your experiences so you can help others! Thanks 4 sharing.
Just 2 let U know U R not alone I was sexually abused for years as a little girl it started when I was 7 yrs old I am now 49 . My own mother didn't believe that her husband was abusing me it took her along time to finally apologize for what had happen 2 me & this was when I was in my late 30s I forgave her But I offend wondered what took her so long I 've always shared my experience because I offend run into so many young girls that this has happpen too& I do my best 2 help them Because back in the day it was,nt talked about if so it was kept quiet .So I'm saying anybody thats reading this please Tell someone!
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