7th Heaven Actor Child Molestation - 61-years old Stephen Collins, who starred as a man of the cloth in the famous TV series 7th Heaven, has admitted to molesting a teenage girl in a recording.
On the tape, which was obtained by TMZ, the actor is heard relaying his actions to a therapist and his disaffected wife Faye Grant. It is unclear who the victim he refers to is, but some commentators speculate that it is a relative of his previous wife Marjorie Weinman. Mr. Collins confesses that he put himself in a sexual situation with the teenager at least thrice - when she was 11, 12 and 13 years old.
The 7th Heaven actor's marriage to Ms. Wienman lasted for only 8 years. It is unclear if Ms. Weinman is aware of his atrocious actions or if it contributed in any way to their separation. Meanwhile, reports indicate that the actor has been put under investigation by the New York Police.
Mr. Collins married Faye Grant in 1985 after divorcing Ms. Wienman about seven years earlier. But in 2012 he also filed for a divorce from Ms. Grant, with whom he has a daughter. The divorce proceedings are still ongoing. Ms. Grant reportedly recorded the confession of Mr. Collins without his knowledge with the intention of using it in federal charges against him. However, it is unclear if she is the one that released it to the press. It is also unclear how long ago the recording was made and if Ms. Grant will be charged for failing to report her estranged husband's actions sooner.
Legal experts say if charged with a felony Mr. Collins could spend many years or even the remaining of his life in jail. The actor is yet to comment on the topic. Meanwhile, many fans of the actor have taken to social media to express their surprise at the revelation. Many have described the news as "shocking" and "unbelieveable."
7th Heaven was aired on The WB Television Network between 1996 and 2007. Reports indicate that the program was originally scheduled to be brought to an end in 2006, but was extended by a year due to the widespread interest in the show. Hollywoodlife quotes a fan of the actor identified as Sarah Elizabeth saying "Highly disappointed in Rev. Eric Camden [Stephen Collins] for confessing to child molestation accusation. My childhood is forever tainted." Another fan identified as Rasheen Rhone writes on Facebook "7th Heaven will never be the same. The actor who played the family man and town pastor, Rev. Eric Camden, on the long running show is now being accused (with actual proof) of child molestation. Yeah, he has lost my respect forever. No wonder little Ruthie was absent for a season or two."
