Victim of The Predator Sex Offender Actor Thanks Olivia Munn

CBR

By Sam Stone

Published Sep 13, 2018

The victim of the convicted sex offender from The Predator issues a statement thanking Olivia Munn for taking action.

The victim of the convicted sex offender, Steven Wilder Striegel, who was originally part of The Predator cast, has come forward to reveal herself and thank actor Olivia Munn for speaking up to get Striegel cut from the film entirely.

Paige Carnes, who had been approached improperly online by Striegel while only 14, has identified herself and issued a statement to The Los Angeles Times in support of Munn for taking a public stand against Striegel's inclusion in the film.

"My purpose in making this statement is to reclaim my identity. Sexual abuse makes people uncomfortable. It should make you uncomfortable. This discomfort is nothing compared to the psychological and physical suffering of those who have dealt with it," began Carnes in her statement. "I was not able to speak for myself when I was 14. The consequences of this abuse are profound and permanent for some. When the abuse takes place with a child, it is even harder to overcome. You lose trust in everyone around you, and mainly yourself. Your abuse does not define you. With support from others and strength from within, you can overcome the label of victim and reclaim your identity."

News had broke last week of Munn alerting Fox that Striegel, a longtime friend of filmmaker Shane Black, was a convicted sex offender who served time in 2010 after pleading guilty to two felonies involving family member Carnes. In response, the studio cut Striegel's appearance from the final film but reportedly chastised Munn for notifying the rest of the cast of Striegel's history.

"I am also eternally grateful for Olivia Munn's action. She spoke up for me. She took a stance for me. In turn she stood for all who have suffered like I have," continued Carnes. "To be acknowledged by a stranger, on a public platform about this issue is incredibly empowering."

Directed by Shane Black from a script he wrote with Fred Dekker, The Predator stars Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Jacob Tremblay, Keegan-Michael Key, Olivia Munn, Sterling K. Brown, Alfie Allen, Thomas Jane, Augusto Aguilera, Jake Busey, and Yvonne Strahovski. The film arrives in theaters on September 14.

(via The Hollywood Reporter)