Investigation Discovery’s Hollywood Demons Features Stephen Collins’ Alleged Victim
In the inaugural episode of Investigation Discovery’s docuseries Hollywood Demons, a chilling firsthand account emerges from one of Stephen Collins’ alleged victims. The former star of 7th Heaven portrayed Reverend Eric Camden in the beloved family drama for 11 years, yet his career was overshadowed by serious allegations of sexual misconduct.
April Price’s Disturbing Story
April Price, who was only 13 years old in 1983, recounts her unsettling experiences with Collins during her childhood. Living next to her aunt in a Los Angeles apartment complex, Price finds herself in a deeply disturbing scenario with the actor. “This is bad. This is really bad. I don’t know what I’m going to do,” she recalls, describing the moment when Collins emerged from his bedroom without clothes.
Feeling frozen and terrified, Price shares her emotional turmoil: “At this point, I was as rigid and tight and as small as I could make myself, and I’m looking anywhere but at him.” This revelation is part of a broader narrative that exposes Collins in stark contrast to his on-screen persona, having previously admitted to inappropriate conduct involving minors spanning from 1973 to 1994.
Collins’ Confession and Its Aftermath
Collins’ initial confession originated from a private marriage therapy session in 2012, which was later leaked by TMZ in October. The recorded conversation revealed his admissions of exposing himself to and molesting underage girls. “I put her hand on my penis,” Collins is heard stating on the tape, illuminating a shocking glimpse into his past conduct.
Despite his confessions, Collins faced no legal repercussions due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. The premiere episode of Hollywood Demons offers a poignant moment with Jeremy London, Collins’ co-star, as he hears the confession for the first time. Initially, he wished to distance himself from the scandal but quickly became emotional upon hearing the tape.
“It’s tough. It’s hard. I’m a dad, first and foremost, above everything else,” London expresses. His reaction underscores the gravity of the allegations and the impact on victims’ lives. He poignantly adds, “Stephen Collins would be a dead man if that was my child.”
Industry Insights and Reactions
Garth Ancier, the founding president of Programming at the WB Network, also addressed the silence around the allegations from fellow cast members, including child actors such as Beverley Mitchell and David Gallagher. He expressed disbelief at the confessions, stating, “It actually doesn’t line up with the Stephen Collins I knew, at all.”
Celebrity doctor Drew Pinsky, who provides commentary in the episode, suggests complexities in Collins’ character. He notes, “He was a nice guy. He is a smart dude. He is engaging and interesting… And he was engaged in some monstrous behavior.”
A Warning for Young People
Price concludes with a powerful message for young people idolizing Hollywood figures: “Sometimes the biggest monsters have the prettiest faces. You can’t just trust people that are nice to you and kind and charismatic. Not everybody that’s nice to you has nice intentions.” Her words resonate as a cautionary tale in the context of celebrity culture.
Upcoming Episodes and Insights on Hollywood’s Dark Side
Premiering on March 24, Hollywood Demons will air weekly, with subsequent episodes featuring other former child actors like Brian Bonsall from Family Ties and Dee Jay Daniels from The Hughleys. Additional segments examine various troubling topics, including the notorious Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, allegations of abuse by Taylor Armstrong from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and the tragic saga of the Von Erich wrestling family.
Produced by Ample Entertainment for Investigation Discovery, Hollywood Demons aims to shed light on the often-hidden struggles of those exposed to the darker aspects of fame.
For more information, you can read the full story on The Hollywood Reporter.