Actress Kristina Cohen has accused former Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick of raping her, detailing the violent alleged incident in a Facebook post.
Cohen, 27, alleges the incident occurred three years ago, when her former partner – named only as ‘the producer’ – introduced her to Westwick.
After meeting Westwick at his home for the first time, Cohen states “I wanted to leave when Ed suggested “we should all fuck”.
“But the producer didn’t want to make Ed feel awkward by leaving.”
After her partner suggested they stay a while to “smooth everything over”, Cohen says she took a nap in a guest bedroom. That was when Cohen states the assault occurred.
I was woken up abruptly by Ed on top of me, his fingers entering my body. I told him to stop, but he was strong. I fought him off as hard as I could but he grabbed my face in his hands, shaking me, telling me he wanted to fuck me. I was paralyzed, terrified. I couldn’t speak, I could no longer move. He held me down and raped me.
It was a nightmare, and the days following weren’t any better.
Cohen states that pressure from her former partner to remain quiet about the incident and fears that Westwick could end her career in the industry if she spoke out kept her from making the allegation sooner.
You can read the full statement HERE.
Westwick has responded to the statement with a brief Instagram post, denying the accusation outright.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbM4P6jBU26/?hl=en&taken-by=edwestwick
The accusation comes after a torrent of allegations of sexual harassment and assault levelled against major players in the entertainment industry, including Kevin Spacey and producer Harvey Weinstein.
UPDATE: The LAPD is now investigating the accusations levelled against Westwick.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault or harassment, please get in touch with 1800 RESPECT.
