Eliza Dushku describes being abused at age 12 by a stuntman, who claims Eliza had a crush

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Eliza Dushku has posted a powerful and detailed account of how she was groomed and abused at age 12 by a stunt coordinator on her film True Lies, a man named Joel Kramer. It’s a heart-wrenching story of a young girl targeted by a predator. Dushku says that, after a friend of hers confronted Kramer about the abuse, she not-so-coincidentally suffered an accident on set, breaking her ribs. It was Kramer’s job to ensure her safety and the very day her friend told him to stop she had an “accident.” It’s a difficult story to read and it may be triggering to some. I’m just excerpting the first part of it here. You can click through to Eliza’s Facebook page to read the whole story.

Kramer has issued a response to Dushku and he’s despicable, just know that. If you want to stop reading now I wouldn’t blame you, I have a hard time re-reading Eliza’s story and it got worse for me when I saw this garbage person’s response.

“This is all vile lies,” Kramer, 60, told Us, denying that he was alone in a hotel room or taxi with her, as she alleged. “I never molested this young woman, ever. Who in their right mind would do that and then still work with someone another six months or seven months or however long we had left to work together, wouldn’t that be a little weird?”

“I talked to the stunt people on the [film] and asked did Eliza get hurt, because I don’t remember her getting hurt. When you harness someone you can get bumps and bruises, but I don’t remember her breaking any ribs and all of a sudden she is viciously attacking me,” he said. “We all treated Eliza like family. I just don’t get the vicious outright lies…”

Kramer told Us that a woman who worked with Dushku, 37, as a teacher or a manager on the set told him that the pre-teen was infatuated with him.

“She said, ‘Look, Eliza has a big crush on you, she is always asking me, ‘Oh, I bet Joel is dating all the women,’ ‘I bet Joel is screwing a lot of women,’ so I said then we have to be careful with this one,” he told Us. “At that age they are impressionable and my job as a stunt coordinator was to get Eliza to trust us, because she has to do stunts, she has to be in harnesses. Stunt doubles did all the big stunts, Eliza did close-ups on camera, we wanted her trust and we treated her like family. I just don’t know what is going through her mind.”

Kramer said he is now considering legal action.

“I probably have to. I am angry, I am just hurt,” he told Us. “This is just out of nowhere and she has put out what she is going to say, so it is a he said, she said.”

“My career is done,” he added. “She just ruined me.”

[From US Magazine]

This man is a total piece of sh-t. I completely believe every word of Eliza’s account without this, but his retort against Eliza, along with his disgusting claim that she had a crush on him, just vindicates her that much more. This abuser is painting himself as a victim and is showing his true colors. Kramer’s agency, WPA, has announced that they’ve dropped him. I hope this man is blacklisted from his industry and while I don’t want him to have other victims, I hope that if they are out there (they’re out there) they will have the courage to speak up. This entire story makes my stomach churn and goes to show how predators operate, how they justify their behavior, and how they blame the innocent children they abuse. I’m so sorry to Eliza that this happened to her, and I’m so sorry to all the victims. We hear you and we are here for you.

Meanwhile the director of True Lies, James Cameron, and Eliza’s costar, Jamie Lee Curtis, have responded to this story. First here’s what Cameron said, in part, At a Television Critics Association event:

“Directors are historically pretty oblivious to the inter-personal things that are happening on the set, because they’re focused on what they’re doing creatively, but had I known about [it] there would have been no mercy. I have daughters. There really would be no mercy now.

“Eliza is very brave for speaking up. It’s just heartbreaking that it happened to her.”

[From People]

He also warned predators that “there will be consequences.” In Jamie Lee Curtis’s essay, available on Huffington Post, she wrote that Eliza told her that story “years ago” and she echoed Cameron’s sentiment that she hopes “all abusers will be held accountable.

Eliza’s mother has also responded to this, particularly to internet complaints that she didn’t protect her daughter. She wrote on Facebook (via People) “I accept your condemnation as Eliza’s mother,” adding that Eliza didn’t tell her the whole story at the time and that it wasn’t until “years later that I finally understood fully what really happened.” This whole story is just devastating. Incidentally last year Eliza revealed that she’s been sober for almost nine years after battling drug and alcohol addiction since the age of 14.

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130 Responses to “Eliza Dushku describes being abused at age 12 by a stuntman, who claims Eliza had a crush”

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  1. Maya says:

    Go Eliza and not sure if I am happy with Jamie’s confession that she knew years ago and didn’t anything. Same with James, as a Director it’s his job to keep a tab on everything.

    • Izzy says:

      She said in her op-ed that she found out a few years ago. I’m not sure what you expect her to have done then, it wasn’t her story to tell, Eliza was presumably an adult a few years ago.

    • Luca76 says:

      Eliza came to her as adult what exactly was she supposed to do? The only person who could tell her story to authorities is Eliza.

    • Lucy2 says:

      Eliza confided in Jamie a few years ago. She may have asked her not to say anything at the time, and it was not her story to tell.

      Eliza’s on set tutor was told and then told others, and was met with no reaction- so i’m having a harder time with the idea the Cameron didn’t know. Either he did, or the people he hired covered it up and kept it from him.

      • BlueNailsBetty says:

        I have worked with people who flat out refused to take problems/bad news to the big bosses. I can believe no one told Cameron.

      • magnoliarose says:

        I would believe it. He is a tyrant on set and directors are often not told everything, and other people are supposed to deal with that. You don’t want to be the messenger that got shot. Who dares to say to him that there are problems that could jeopardize the schedule and add to the budget?
        It is in the realm of possibility and more than believable he did not know. Cameron is difficult and has admitted this, but I don’t think he would have condoned someone hurting a child. That is too much to put on him without someone saying it.

    • msd says:

      First …I absolutely believe her. And her substance abuse issues from 14 are probably linked to the sexual abuse she experienced at 12.

      I’m not the world’s biggest Cameron fan but it’s unfair to blame him. There are hundreds of people working on big budget movies and many different departments. The director is flat out working with producers, actors, the DOP. They don’t have in depth interaction with everyone and often don’t know everything going on, in fact they’re shielded from many things. Eliza hasn’t called Cameron out so I don’t think we should either. Ditto Jamie Lee Curtis, who was only told a few years ago. It wasn’t her story to tell. Both are fully backing her up now, which is good.

      The guy sounds like trash, trotting out that “she had a crush on me” line. Changing his story in multiple interviews apparently, too. I doubt Eliza was the only person he abused, sadly.

      • Kelly says:

        From what I’ve heard so far, I’m not ready to blame Cameron yet.

        I don’t know if it’s simply the way my brain works, but I’d already seen the headline to this story and it gave me the impression that Cameron was the abuser. Just as the Vogue photographer story gave me the impression that Anna Wintour was complicit. If I hadn’t sought out the stories, I would still be under that impression.

      • lucy2 says:

        I don’t mean to blame Cameron – it’s just kind of surprising to me that no one brought this up the ladder to him. This wasn’t some squabble among crew, this was the head of the stunt department on an action movie (and the stunt double for the lead actor, I believe) molesting a child, which was reported on set. Someone, at some point, should have pushed this further until something was done. If I were him, I would be angry if I wasn’t told.

      • V4Real says:

        I’ve been a fan of El8za for years and so sorry this happened to her but I’m not blaming Camoron yet. Just because he’s in charge doesn’t mean he knew everything that was going on, on his set.

        I read this story a few days ago and that man was a freaking pedophile. But I also wondered why would her parents let their 12 year old daughter go alone to swim with a stuntman. Not an actor on the film, not her agent or babysitter but a 36 year old stuntman. Hollywood failed her but so did her parents

    • toDaze says:

      She just gave me the courage to report a ring of coaches who are “protecting their own” and being horrible to me for speaking up, and now negligent to my child’s safety because I’m showing signs of being the whilsteblower. IT’s hard to speak to power, because, like Eliza, they have your career AND safety in their hands. But today I have to fight harder. Thank you Eliza.

      • Kelly says:

        Blow your whistle toDaze, and may your efforts be rewarded!

      • Meggles says:

        Well done, toDaze. You’re extremely brave and please know how much support and encouragement there is in the world for courageous people like you. I hope things work out well. x

      • lucy2 says:

        We’re with you toDaze! Continue to be strong and to be brave.

      • Hey Bale says:

        Thank you Thank you Thank you !!! I am bawling. Thank you for speaking up!!!

      • Embee says:

        YES!!!! We are here for you–let us support you!

      • magnoliarose says:

        Good.
        You are a Boss, my friend.
        We need to be brave and root these predators out and make them go away so we can protect children from these people. We have to speak up!\\

      • Imqrious2 says:

        You blow that whistle as long and hard as you need to, to protect your daughter and all the other kids in those coaches’ reach. I may not physically be there, but I am “with” you! ❤️

      • tmot says:

        I m so sorry you are having to deal with this. Thank you, SO MUCH for speaking up! Mr TMOT has asked me in the past why I’m an activist, why I care so much about people I’ve never met (admittedly, not since last November… sigh).

        Eventually, I realized that it was because when I was being victimized (as a child and then later by an abusive “partner”) no one spoke up for me. People apparently took pity on me and were “nice” to me, but no one got me out of there. So. I will speak up as long as I can. Good on you for doing so! It isn’t easy but it is worth it and these days, people are way more likely to have your back.
        #TeamToDaze!

    • Louise177 says:

      As others have said Jaime just found out a few years ago not when it happened. Even if she reported him a few years ago I doubt anything would have happened. She’s not a witness or victim. And it would have been wrong to name Eliza since she wasn’t ready to come forward.

  2. grabbyhands says:

    He is an absolute piece of trash – trotting out every vile excuse that molesters and rapists love to use against women and it is even worse because he saying this about a person who was a CHILD at the time.

    Literally every deflection he’s used so far just served to make him look worse and more guilty.

    • NotSoSocialButterfly says:

      Honestly. What 12 year old is inquiring about what women an adult male is “screwing?”
      (Hint: incredibly few, and of those who do, probably the greater preponderance are girls who have been molested at a very young age.)

      IMO that clearly indicates he sexualized ( and assaulted ) a pre-teen.

      • Rachel says:

        Hollywood culture in general treats child actors like mini adults. It’s so toxic.

      • MissMarierose says:

        That comment immediately struck me as false. Girls that age don’t talk like that.
        But child predators – who often claim as their bullshit defense that their victim ‘came on to them’ – will project adult language and motivation onto children.
        Kramer basically just outed himself with that comment.

        And I’m delighted to hear that his career is ruined. I hope he never works again.

      • teacakes says:

        This is the man who nicknamed 12 year old Eliza ‘jailbait’ (a term she didn’t know the meaning of) and he expects anyone to believe SHE was the problem here?

        Twelve-year olds get crushes on kids their own age, maybe a little older, and definitely never on middle-aged men unless something is seriously wrong. This piece of shit just sounds like he watched Leon one too many times, if he thinks it is in any way believable that a 12 year old had that kind of interest in him.

      • S says:

        @MissMarierose …. Very well said and I agree 100%. Disgusting creep, self-owned by his own disgustingness.

      • Ennie says:

        Of course if children are not protected, they will know and do more than we expect at 12 or earlier. I work with young teens and their realities are sometimes terrible.
        Drew Barrymore was going to clubs and drinking at 8-9 years old, rehab at 13. Melanie Griffith… shudders.
        I always liked Elizah, I hope she is better now.

      • Aren says:

        @MissMarierose,I agree, and everything about his statement is projecting; “she wanted me, 12 years old girls found me desirable, she wanted to know about my sex life”.

      • magnoliarose says:

        He just confirmed it with his textbook answer not that I ever doubted her.

    • Betsy says:

      I agree he’s making up Eliza’s crush and inventing language. I remember having innocent crushes on a few adult men at that age. I wasn’t aware of how common sexual abuse was and looking back I can only feel ever more grateful that I had the good luck not to have a crush on a monster like Kramer.

      • teacakes says:

        I had them too, but on men aged about 21, 22-ish (think young Leonardo Dicaprio).

        I call absolute bull on the idea that any 12 year old would develop those feelings for a 36 year old without there being grooming/abuse involved. He’s really trying it here, but all he’s doing is unintentionally confirming everything Eliza said.

      • Penfold says:

        I gotta disagree with you there, tea cakes. Twelve year olds do get crushes on men in their late 30’s/early 40’s. I know I had some on a few of my teachers! Innocent crushes like that happen a lot.

        But, yes, this guy is garbage and calling her ‘jailbait’ is a huge red flag. Who does that? Pervs, that’s who.

      • teacakes says:

        @Penfold – fair enough, I’ll just amend my statement to say it’s extremely unlikely, because it isn’t a common thing at all and in this case at least, if it was true, could only have been the result of the grooming Eliza called out when she first went public with this.

      • Ennie says:

        We don’t know if she lacked a father figure. She could well have idolized an older man.

      • Aren says:

        I also had crushes that were much more older, 20+ years older than me.
        Having said that, the guys I was into were good looking, this one probably thought he was a catch but seeing his pics from back then, I can’t imagine any girl having a crush on him without him having to do anything with it.

    • stinky says:

      i 100% agree with Grabbyhands& Missmarierose! Wow his denial is pretty aggressive. Kinda sounds like he wants to scare off any additional accusations, right? I hope it was worth it, you pos.

    • Otaku Fairy says:

      She was 12. That alone makes any talk of crushes invalid, whether it was there or not. It’s disgusting of him to even say this about someone he abused. Does he really expect us to believe some 37-year-old actress is falsely accusing him in order to get back at him for an alleged crush she had when she was 12?

      Potty-mouthed preteens who think they’re edgy do exist, and it’s definitely not always a sign of real sexual activity or abuse, but I still don’t buy his claim that she made comments to another adult about his sex life.

    • Lahdidahbaby says:

      EXACTLY right, Grabbyhands, exactly. The very lowest thing he said in his public statement was that she had a crush on him. A 12-year-old child. What a piece of trash he is.

  3. Snazzy says:

    It is interesting how these agencies are dropping these guys when outed so quickly. They obviously knew, had info to back it up and let it be because these dudes made them money. There’s no way he’d get dropped so fast and the agency risk a lawsuit unless they had the backup. Makes me sick

    • Mia4s says:

      Yeah that is interesting (and disturbing) isn’t it? If it was truly a “complete shock” or without any previous hint or precedent I would expect a suspension while a “thorough investigation…blah blah blah”. But these agencies seem absolutely positive and without fear in doing this on nothing but social media posts. How are they so sure? Because it isn’t that big a shock…and that is horrifying.

      This is part 2 of this horror show…the child actors…I’m not sure anyone in Hollywood is fully prepared for how bad this might get.

    • msd says:

      Yep. It’s like Spacey … when they act that fast it’s because there have been issues before.

    • magnoliarose says:

      It says everything how fast they do it. I thought the same thing.

    • The Other Katherine says:

      100%. The agents have a very good idea, by and large, who the serious pervs are. They just don’t care as long as the gravy train keeps rolling.

  4. Lucy2 says:

    Her story is horrific, and she can’t possibly be the only one he did this to. I hope any other victims of his feel the strength and support out there now, and can come forward if they choose to. I’m proud of her bravery, both to tell people back then, and to share this now.

    She did not ruin his career. He ruined his career by assaulting children, the very children he was hired to protect.

    • FLORC says:

      She’s told it before years ago. It’s just getting legs now with the movement. And ffs… rhat story needed a trigger warning it was too difficult to read.

    • Peeking in says:

      Am I the only one who went to his IMDB to check his film credits, and which child stars he may have worked with?

      • gentleorange says:

        Not a child star, but one name leapt out at me from his imdb page, someone he worked with a LOT. And who so far has been very silent.

      • Mltpsych says:

        Yup Arnold S was in a ton of movies this guy worked on.

  5. Annabelle Bronstein says:

    I am disheartened to see how many are blaming everyone BUT the abuser: her parents, her on-set guardian, her agent, Jamie Lee Curtis.. even Eliza herself.

    Maybe they are complicit, but blame lies solely with the abuser.

    • Luca76 says:

      To be clear the abuser is at fault but her parents did show negligence. She confessed something to her mother and was injured and the mother admitted to sweeping it under the rug out of fear. Also people did go to authorities on set and nothing was done. So that’s different than a vague thought that so and so should have known. People did see it happening and didn’t step in which is disgusting .

      • Annabelle Bronstein says:

        There seems to be some dispute (not contentious) about what Eliza told her mother. I believe we should give her the benefit of the doubt that a caring mother did the best she could do with what she knew at the time. She was fearful because of a powerful man who controlled her daughter’s safety. Without more facts it serves no one but the abuser to condemn the mother, though it is remarkably easy to do. Just look at their responses.

        Eliza’s mom: I accept your condemnation.

        Kramer: she’s a lying little slut

        Only one of these people deserves condemnation.

        As for those on the film set, I do think the producer who received the complaints took some (possibly criminal?) steps, or she was at the very least a victim-blaming enabler. There is evidence that Eliza’s (not powerful at the time)manager took very brave actions to protect and defend Eliza at the time and now.

        Regardless, all these articles are about the peripheral players. I want to see stories about this abuser’s history on film set, as well as exposing his crimes (you know there’s more). Anything that lets this abuser escape even a little culpability for his actions is just not helpful.

      • Luca76 says:

        Personally I don’t think it’s a matter of condemning the mother but I do think it’s important to acknowledge that the mother had all the information she needed to see her child wasn’t safe and didn’t act out of denial, fear etc. It does frustrate/disgust me that Eliza was trying to tell the truth but no one capable of helping her even as she was physically injured.
        That’s something I believe parents have to hear because their are children today out their who are in these kinds of situations and their parent and support system do need to be proactive in order to find out what happening.

      • Annabelle Bronstein says:

        @luca76 the problem is that in shifting blame to the mother you are letting the abuser off the hook. I don’t think that parents should have to assume that every adult their child interacts with is a child molester until proven otherwise. Would it not be better to root out the abusers, and create consequences so harsh that they stop abusing?

      • Luca76 says:

        No I am not letting the abuser off the hook. That’s black and white thinking. We are talking about a system where the cards are stacked against children and they are being served up on platters to abusers because no one can stand against them.
        ED was surrounded by adults who failed her.
        Not just the mother a whole film crew of people couldn’t stop that monster from abusing her.
        That’s just the blatant fact. She was abused by one man but all of the adults surrounding her failed in their responsibility to intervene in varying degrees.

      • Jag says:

        Exactly. The abuser is the abuser. Her mother and the other adults who knew what happened did not protect her after the fact.

        There are many cases like this now where the parent cared more about their child becoming a famous star than their safety.

        It is possible to be angry and call out both – or all of the – parties here. He is a disgusting sub-human who deserves to rot in jail. The mother also needs to be called out for not protecting her daughter. She could have taken her off the set and told them to get another actress for the movie.

      • magnoliarose says:

        I think there is room for nuanced thinking here and a lesson for all of those involved. Parents need to be more diligent in these situations. You have to be and can’t leave it up to others. There needs to be more accountability on set for everyone, and there needs to be a person in charge of watching out for underage actors when the parents don’t. There needs to be a place to find out if someone has had various and valid complaints against them.
        There are things that can be done to protect children on set from men like this, but it takes creativity and a desire to do so.
        Predators will find new ways to abuse, but we have to systems in place to make it nearly impossible for them without being caught.

      • Annabelle Bronstein says:

        @luca The problem is that in this whole thread, we aren’t mentioning the abuser’s actions even once! It does shift blame, or at least spreads the blame around thus downplaying the actions of the abuser.

        I made the mistake of reading comments on Eliza’s Facebook post about this and the top comments are the ones criticizing Eliza’s mom. Not saying: ‘I’m never going to watch one of those creeps films again!” No one wondering how many potential other victims Kramer had. The comments barely mention the actual abuser at all! This is the problem.

        The truth is not easy: no matter how safe or how careful you are, you cannot protect your children 24/7. At some point, you will have to put trust in other adults to be safe with your kids.

        @magnoliarose I definitely think there is space for nuance about how to prevent this from happening again (and again). It sounds like in this case, some safeguards were in place. I understand that Eliza did have a legal guardian on set but only for the set. The problem is the ONLY conversation we’ve had is what other people should’ve done. We need to talk first about these men and why the hell they think it’s ok to prey on women and children.

    • Carol says:

      @annabelle Thank you for keeping the focus on the abuser. I feel the same way. It is easy for us to condem everyone for not protecting Dushku, but the real onus should be placed on the predator.

      I hope that with each horrible account made public, Victims will be encouraged to speak out and that their loved ones, teachers, agents and co-workers will also have a better understanding, and strength to support the victims.

      I think these abusers feed on all the finger pointing

      • tracking says:

        ITA.

      • Annabelle Bronstein says:

        I agree with you so much. I wish all those blaming the less powerful people in this situation would stop and ask if their comments are helpful. Abusers love to see other people taking blame for their actions.. I believe it makes them feel justified.

    • Reef says:

      We never stick to blaming the actual abuser for longer than a heartbeat.

    • sisi says:

      While yes the stuntman is the one responsible for the abuse, Eliza’s story also shows serveral instances where the work environment failed to protect her before, during and after her assault. And I see nothing wrong with people scrutinising that. If the director is not responsible for creating a safe work environment – especially for child actors – then who is? Is this an industry with zero accountability?

      I don’t see a problem with putting the spotlight on both. There is a balance to be found, like the article above has done.

      • Luca76 says:

        Exactly Sisi it was an unsafe work environment. He literally spitefully physically harmed her in his professional capacity . He openly called her jailbait. He was literally reported. This reminds me of the Catholic Church.

      • magnoliarose says:

        This is the only way to change it. We have to change all aspects of it and not worry about blame or the other smaller issues outside of the criminal. He didn’t happen in a vacuum. She didn’t get to his hotel room all on her own, and he didn’t gain access without permission.
        This isn’t to make anyone else a villain but to examine what could have been done to protect her better.

    • Aren says:

      She said:
      “Over the years I’ve really struggled as I’ve wondered how my life might have been different if someone, any one grown-up who witnessed his sick ways, had spoken up before he lured me to that hotel room.”
      I don’t think anybody is taking away any responsibility from him, but merely pointing out that anybody could’ve made a difference.

      • magnoliarose says:

        Heartbreaking.
        He robbed her of years of mental health and potential. It is tragic.

      • Anna says:

        This right here. I’m struck from these reports and from my own life observations how closely linked experiencing this kind of abuse is to later alcohol abuse. So many years lost, the pain that needs to be quelled, the deep anger that adults were aware but no one did anything or offered protection. That kind of trauma takes a lifetime to resolve, if ever…

  6. Erinn says:

    I’m 100% behind Eliza on this, and I’m glad that a good deal of cast members spoke out supporting her.

    But honestly. HONESTLY. What would be the point of someone as well known as Eliza – decades later – speaking out against some random stunt guy if he hadn’t done this. It would serve absolutely no purpose for her to take down someone who was innocent.

    And on top of that – she ended up with broken ribs after a stunt injury… following her confiding in an adult on set.

    This guy is human trash. He absolutely disgusts me, and quite honestly, I hope the rest of his miserable existence is absolute hell on earth – he’s already put others through such a horrible life shattering experience – he does not deserve a moment of happiness.

  7. Izzy says:

    Sure, go ahead and sue her. It will give HER lawyers the opportunity to take depositions of EVERY SINGLE PERSON who knew about it at the time. Forgot about that pesky discovery process, didn’t ya?

    • Lucy2 says:

      Absolutely. I have to think he knows that, but thinks by throwing the word lawsuit out there he can intimidate her and get her to back off.

    • CommentingBunny says:

      This is straight out of the Trump defamation lawsuit playbook – threaten a lawsuit in the media, but don’t follow through because the Courts will expose you as the lying sack of sh!t you are.

  8. S says:

    This story is heartbreaking. I cried when reading Dushku’s account this weekend; cried again when I saw her mother’s response and saw red when I saw this scumbag’s smear here. I hope he rots in hell, and I hope this helps Dushku heal.

  9. Leducduswaz says:

    This dude’s justification makes no sense. Even if she did have a crush on him (unlikely, but not impossible) she was still a 12 year old child. If I found out that a 12 year old had a crush on me, I’d find a way to let her down easily and maybe try to encourage her to show interest in boys her own age, but I definitely wouldn’t think of her feelings as an invitation. This is the part that gets me the most angry about his statement:
    ‘Oh, I bet Joel is dating all the women,’ ‘I bet Joel is screwing a lot of women,’ so I said then we have to be careful with this one,” he told Us.
    We have to be careful with this one… As if she’s the dangerous one. What he’s saying there is that SHE could get HIM in trouble for HIS OWN behavior. What an absolute dick this guy is.

    • Annabelle Bronstein says:

      Exactly. Even IF -a big if- his recollection is true, his response reveals his misogynistic mindset. A man falsely accused would not retaliate like this. And the fact that he never considered that he should behave more maturely than a *12 year old girl* – well, to me that says it all.

    • teacakes says:

      Eliza specifically said he groomed her – any so-called ‘crush’, IF such feelings ever existed on her part, was the direct result of an adult preying on a twelve year old girl and manipulating her.

      And like I said above, twelve-year-olds do not develop feelings like those for adults in their 30s unless something is seriously wrong (abuse, grooming, trauma). Which it very much was, here.

  10. Merritt says:

    He is guilty. You can tell by how he tries to change it into a story about a girl with a crush.

    • Snazzy says:

      Right? I mean she was 12! I had a crush on my school librarian at 12 … all he did was give me cool comic books to read to improve my french. School girl crushes are easy to deal with. This guy was obviously a predator

  11. MissAmerica says:

    “I bet he’s screwing a lot of women” Yeah, because virginal 12-year-olds think and say those things. Wtf. Poor Eliza.

    • Otaku Fairy says:

      Seventh-graders of both sexes absolutely can- and sometimes do- say crass/vulgar things like that (sometimes even more crudely). It doesn’t necessarily mean they’re sexually active, it usually means they think they’re so grown-up, cool and/or funny for talking like that. But it’s usually said and giggled about with peers, and rarely blurted out directly to adults. I believe Eliza and have a lot of doubt about his claims that she even said this in the presence of an adult, but even if she did, her being a potty-mouthed preteen doesn’t make him any less guilty of molesting a 12-year-old. He’s garbage.

  12. serena says:

    What nerve. He’s trying to put the blame and sexualize a then 12-years-old girl.. Disgusting.
    I feel for Eliza.. it must have been so hard for her, I hope her voice won’t fall flat and for someone to actually dig dirt on this criminal.

  13. Really says:

    I thought that there would be less creeps this year, but I guess the stories will keep coming like 2017, and there are probably so many to come.
    The abusers are just in front of everyone now.
    Much light to Eliza, I hope she continues to be brave and strong in her fight against addiction.

    • msd says:

      I follow film writer Mark Harris on Twitter (love him) and months back he mentioned 7 harassment/abuse stories he knew of that people were working on. He said he’d keep updating the relevant thread but that things were far from over. So far only 2 have come out, which presumably means 5 he knows of still haven’t yet. It’s mind boggling.

      • sisi says:

        yeah there’s also whispers on twitter and blinds about an A-list trafficking situation that’s being worked on by reporters which will eventually be published.
        We’ve not reached the part yet where things get better. We’re not even remotely done with the bad part.

  14. Sarah says:

    Oh, dear God…that’s a nauseating story. Much light and love to Eliza. What a horrible emotional burden to bear all of these years…
    I hope her abuser knows there is a fresh pit in hell waiting just for him.

  15. Tania says:

    I support Eliza. Good for her for speaking her truth.

  16. Christina says:

    I believe her.

  17. Prissa says:

    What disgusting trash! And I do not believe a 12 year old said “Oh, I bet Joel is dating all the women,’ ‘I bet Joel is screwing a lot of women,’.

  18. Lindy says:

    I’m a huge Buffy fan and I love Eliza’s work in Buffy. I was heartbroken to read her story and I’m glad she finally feels that she can speak out about what happened. The guy’s response is so completely toxic and awful. You know that feeling you get when you’re telling the truth about something but not being believed? I can imagine it’s tough enough now for her to tell her story and have her abuser deny it and basically slut-shame her. Can you even imagine the feeling of fear and powerlessness and hopelessness she felt as a little girl trying to be heard and believed? It really does break your heart.

  19. sisi says:

    This is very upsetting, and I haven’t found a way to make my thoughts into a comment yet.
    I’m angry and upset, and the words just seem wrong or corny or worthless.

    Without a doubt she speaks the truth. Without a doubt he just uttered a denial101 predator statement.

    What was done to Eliza was despicable and criminal, and I hope she gets the support she deserves.

  20. marianne says:

    Listen, he can sue all he wants. But, likely there will be medical records that prove that Eliza did end up in a hospital with broken ribs. So that likely will be a strike against him and his character. And if the people she told come forward to support her side of the story….it will probably be an uphill battle for him. Especially if there is more victims that decide there is power in numbers and also share their stories on abuse.

    • Aren says:

      Yes, he basically ruined himself by replying without thinking.
      Everything he said can be easily verified, as soon as something doesn’t add up, that’s the end.

  21. Tallia says:

    Right. A 12 year old would ask – “Oh, I bet Joel is dating all the women,’ ‘I bet Joel is screwing a lot of women”. WTH EVER! This is simply vile.

  22. HeyThere! says:

    I believe her. I can’t even imagine how terrified she was. My heart goes out to her. This man will be in Hell. I firmly believe anyone who sexually assaults children will end up in Hell. There is no greater, gross act than that. Innocent, defenseless children. Ugh. This is an exact example on why I don’t just cancel people who are having drug and alcohol problems. So many of them are just self medicating from a horrible event in life. Just trying to be okay.

    I am so happy she is living a sober life. She deserves the best life possible. I believe her.

  23. AGirlAbroad says:

    Eliza is one of my favorite actresses. I cried when I read what happened to her and I was shaking with rage by the end of her story. I want to punch him in the face for his stupid and disturbing comment about her having a crush on him..gross. she was 12 years old and he groomed her and her parents. His comments about her having a crush and his overall denial statement are typically predator answers.

    For those judging the parents, please understand that the grooming process is a long and twisted one. These predators (male or female) spend a long time gaining the trust and respect of the adults and children. It’s not random..they work to break down and get into the heads of the children and adults they want to manipulate.

    He had her life in his disgusting hands. I can’t imagine the fear she felt after the incident. Like she said her life was in his hands and she was hurt after someone came and confronted him.

    I wish nothing but healing for Eliza. I hope to see her in more shows and movies. Loved her as Faith in Buffy and in bring it on. I believe u Eliza. Thank u for being brave and speaking your truth

  24. Ally says:

    How awful. I believe her. He subjected her to something illegal, awful and life-altering for his puny, disgusting pleasure. It’s also generous to assume that he calculated her on-set injury to only be an injury. He sounds like a ripe subject for police inquiry.

    These stories also make clear how little addiction and perceived mental issues have to do with weakness, and how much they have to do with people trying to cope with shocking, unbearable trauma.

    • Anna says:

      Thank you @Ally this is so true…I have spent my adulthood mired in addiction based on experience of abuse (which has then created conditions for continued abuse in adult relationships) and what strikes me here and with so many other stories is how wrapped up addiction is with the trauma, as you stated. Recently I was relaying to a friend about those days and came to the realization that I was, in part, trying to kill myself slowly through drinking, anything to numb the pain and the sheer anger that no one protected me

  25. isadora says:

    According to her she did have to spend time in the hospital for the broken ribs. It’s hard to overlook that.

    No Joel you’re full of crap. You deserve to have your career ruined just like you ruined the lives of Dushku and likely others.

  26. Why says:

    Why is no one calling out David Copperfield and the ring of pedophiles that he is engaged in, like Michael Jackson and other magicians, comedians etc. I know one young girl who has been abused and harassed by him, but won’t speak up because of fear. All of the people involved in Las Vegas and Hollywood, who don’t speak up, I hope there is a heaven and that you will spend your eternity in hell.

    • Aren says:

      Oh, does anyone else remember many years ago Copperfield was accused of holding a woman hostage on his Island?
      It seemed so bizarre at the time, yet nobody talks about it. Same with Boy George, who I seem to recall abused and held a young man against his will.

    • magnoliarose says:

      It is coming. Someone above mentioned the story is being worked on and then more shame for those involved.
      I think 2018 is going to be a severe reckoning now that we have adjusted to this knowledge and now it is finally time they are rooted out and put in jail if possible.

    • Kelly says:

      I’ve never heard that about David Copperfield, but there are tons of people who refuse to see the truth about Michael Jackson.

  27. T says:

    This might have already been noted but anyone who works with a child i.e. an on set teacher is a mandated reporter and it is their whole responsibility to file any question of wrong doing with DCF. The teacher did not need to consult with a single person before filing a report witn the department of child services, Most people could benefit from knowing this, it is your ethical and moral obligation to file a report if you are worried a child is being abused and your report can be anonymous.

    • The Other Katherine says:

      Agree about the ethical and moral obligation, but I’m not sure about the mandated reporter requirement being in place in California 25 years ago, when this happened.

  28. Why says:

    Do you think the coworkers, assistants, secretaries etc. don’t know about how wrong their behavior is? They do and they work for these predators anyway. They even sign contracts beforehand in which they agree not to talk about anything they see on set etc. In the case of David Copperfield there were even former coworkers speaking out about his strategic pick up tricks to involve young girls in his tricks on stage ( he would tell coworkers codewords so they knew who he wants ) than later invite them backstage and made them fill out lists ( like favorite flowers, parfum, vacation spot etc. ) when they asked why he would say for “future projects/modelling ” after that he would make his assistants call the girls for ” job offers ” etc. and try to meet them, even girls who attended the show with their boyfriends. And I won’t even go into detail about the following abuse but trust me, these man are never alone. They have many many people covering them up. And it is disgusting and sickening and needs to stop. And than they build up this masked life of a happy family with kids but they are sick perverts and everyone assisting them is committing a crime too in my opinion.

  29. Chingona says:

    Yes, this man is a vile piece of garbage but her mother knew something was wrong and did nothing out of fear. Fear of what exactly, her daughter losing the job, money and fame. If you know your daughter was hurt in anyway it is your job to protect them. Yes she may have lost her job, so what. I would have done everything in my power to first have her tell me the whole truth, get that man arrested and fired and get her out of Hollywood. She put her daughter’s acting career before her daughter. She can claim she didn’t know all she wants but if my daughter came to me and said that a grown 36 year old man did something in anyway to her you better belive I will find out what happened. Her daughter than developing an alcohol problem at 14 didn’t strike her as odd or connected in anyway to what may have happened. My mother let me get molested as a young child by uncles. When I told her what they were doing she told me at 4 years old that I liked it and besides they were buying me clothes and toys so I should be happy. As I got older she let older men touch and molest me for money. At 17 she left me in the middle of an orange grove with a man in his late forties and he raped me for hours, again for money. Parents are supposed to protect their children not use their children for their benefit.

    • T says:

      Chingona, I am so so sorry about what happened to you. I totally agree with you that a parent should go to the ends of the earth to protect their child. And no adult male who a family, studio, teacher, or adult with some sense does not know very well should be allowing one on one time with a young girl without lots and lots of vetting, let’s wake the F up people, yes, there are people who won’t prey but there are people who will, so check before you allow your adolescent kid to go with them.
      Your bravery to share is much admired!!

    • magnoliarose says:

      Your mother is a horrible woman. I am sorry to say it so plainly, but she is. I don’t have any good words to articulate what should be said because there are none. What you suffered is unspeakable.
      Thank you for sharing your story, and I hope it makes people think.
      I am sorry. I wish that had not happened to you.
      I hope you have been able to thrive despite her and what happened.
      Hugs to you if you want them.

    • Kelly says:

      Your mother is a she-best and you deserve so much better. It’s a difficult story to hear, but I do thank you for sharing it. You never know who will read your story and feel they’re not alone, or even be inspired to ask for help. You’ve shown such courage in speaking the truth.

    • HeyThere! says:

      OH my gosh…no words. I am so so so sorry. Sending you love and light.

    • Sansa says:

      This is so hard to read, my heart goes out to you. Adult women being harrassed vs children takes this activity down to the lowest level of human behavior. When you molest touch children you really screw them up. They have no idea what is happening to them, They learn to disassociate from reality, they feel guilty and ashamed , instead of being happy little kids. Your childhood is robbed. Then for years you will do things to yourself that are negative to numb these feelings, all bad stuff. Supporting those who this happened to is huge to let the guilt die.

  30. j says:

    so very interesting that he said “we have to be careful with this one”. it reveals a sexualized view of her at that time. he perceived her as provocative (a textbook excuse of molesters) and needed to issue himself a warning; not the usual behaviour of a man to a child.

    • T says:

      J, yes 100%, hairs should have been standing up on peoples necks and bells and whistles should have been going off in their minds, WTF kind of 36 year old adult male says this about a flippin child!! WTF??

  31. Cascas says:

    Always read but rarely comment. I completely believe her. Kramers constantly changing story and that he denied knowing about her broken ribs (I read about that happening in an interview back in either 2008 or 2009) plus the “she had a crush on him” statement has left me feeling a bit stabby, in all honesty.

    Many 12 year olds don’t have the confidence or vocabulary to adequately convey what has happened when they are assaulted and I feel for her mother who seems to be eaten up by guilt by feeling too intimidated and fearful of the “powerful” men in Hollywood to challenge that something wasn’t right with her daughter.

    I believe the statute of limitations is 10 years so he won’t go to jail but I hope he’s never allowed to be in the presence of children on set again.

  32. Heather says:

    I found his reply despicable. Let’s say she did have a crush on him? So what?!?! I grew up watching soap operas with my mom and grandma and when I was twelve (early 90s) I had a crush on Victor Newman, Y&R. I didn’t even know the actor’s name, just that I really really liked Victor Newman. If I had met the actor, or anyone I had a crush on when I was 12 and they so much and touched me mildly inappropriately, whether or not I had a crush on them is unimportant. The fact that I would have been 12 years old is the important part!

  33. Embee says:

    I believe Eliza. I don’t have anything to add that the wonderful Celebitches haven’t already said better than I could. But Eliza deserves another “I believe her” and I do. Lots of love to her.

  34. Ozogirl says:

    I believe you Eliza.

    And Cameron, it doesn’t matter if you have daughters or not. I’m so tired of that statement. You should be outraged and disgusted regardless.

  35. kimbers says:

    this guy worked with Arnold Schwarzenegger in so many movies! no statements from him?

    I side eye

    • magnoliarose says:

      Scoot over and let me join you side-eyeing him. I didn’t think about him in all this, but he should speak up too. The crickets are deafening.

    • Peggy says:

      What can Arnold and Cameron say when they have been accuse of sexual harassment also, Hollyywood is like a cesspool.
      Agents, mangers, actors, producers, directors, and all that knew the abuse was taking place and did nothing about it, for the almighty dollar.

  36. Pandy says:

    Aw, Pedo’s been ruined. Boo effing hoo!!! Hope he rots in hell. Following a stint in a jail cell with an amorous roomie.

    • AGirlAbroad says:

      Disturbing and digusting. I knew this was going to open up the flood gates. Thank u to the other victims that have spoken out. Hope this guy will be rotting in a cell soon. Notice how he lured more girls to his hotel by using the whole “I have a pool come swim” bit. What a sick man

  37. Rebecca says:

    If I’m doing my math correctly, this happened around 1992 or 1993, a time when parents should have known enough about child predators to be wary.

    What type of parent lets their 12 year old child go to a hotel with a 30 something years old man?

    This man is obviously lying. The worst part of his defense story was the part about her having a crush as a 12 year old, and, therefore she’s lying now about being molested.
    Why would she, as an adult woman, continue to speak out if she were lying?
    His defense makes no sense. I hope he is not able to sue her for libel. That will set a bad precedent.

    I agree. Unfortunately, this type of man has to have other victims out there. Hopefully they wikk come forward.

  38. paddingtonjr says:

    My heart goes out to Eliza. Other accounts have made me angry and sad, but this one really broke me. What an absolutely horrible (that is not even a strong enough word, but I can’t think of another) experience for anyone, never mind a CHILD, to have gone through. As far as Joel’s “response”: even if she had a crush on you when she was 12, do you really think she decided to randomly accuse you 25 years later, with such vivid detail? Seriously? No, honey, you’re not that special.

  39. Dave says:

    Won’t there be evidence, or records, of the broken ribs to support her case?