Thursday, October 9, 2014

Catherine Hicks sticks by Stephen Collins

Photo from: Angela Parsons Pinterest account

Actress, Catherine Hicks, who played the role of Annie Camden on 7th Heaven for 11 years has supported her former on-screen husband, Stephen Collins, after leaked tapes of Collins allegedly confessing to sexually abusing underage girls emerged this week.

Hicks stood behind Collins in the wake of the accusations, when she talked to paparazzi yesterday. "I really have nothing to say, nothing to hide. I don't know anything. Stephen's a good guy in my opinion" she said. When asked if anyone on the 7th Heaven set had any suspicion about Collins, the 63-year-old actress was adamant. "No, gosh, no" Hicks said.

The audio recording of the confession was taped by Collins ex-wife, Faye Grant and leaked to US tabloid news site, TMZ. Grant made a secret recording of the confession during a therapy session with Collins. TMZ says that Collins was unaware that he was being taped, but under California law it is legal to make such a recording in order to gather evidence for a "violent felony" charge.

The New York Police Department is investigating the case, as two of the three alleged incidents took place in New York City. The third was allegedly in Los Angeles. Police spokesman, Stephen David says a complaint was filed in 2012 and accused Collins of forcing a then 14-year-old girl to commit a lewd act in 1972. David says the case remains open but no charges have been filed. "There is a formal complaint on file and the incident is being investigated by the Manhattan Special Victims Squad" the police department's statement said. The Los Angeles Police Department is also reviewing the audiotape, but a spokesman said they did not plan to open their own investigation. 

Faye Grant and Stephen Collins are currently going through what TMZ described as a "nasty and prolonged divorce". The fallout from the allegations has been swift, with reports by The Hollywood Reporter of Collins being dropped from the sequel to Seth MacFarlane's hugely popular film, Ted, which is set for release in the US on June 26 next year. The US actors union, SAG-AFTRA has also confirmed that Collins resigned from the body's national board and the US cable channel, UPTV, which airs re-runs of 7th Heaven has pulled the program from its schedule.     

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