‘Jane The Virgin’ Star Justin Baldoni Shares Harassment Story: How He Said No

A number of Hollywood bigwigs are now being exposed for being sexual predators, and many of their victims are finding the courage to step up and reveal the truth.

Thankfully, a lot of people have been incredibly supportive of their voices being heard, including “Jane the Virgin” star Justin Baldoni. The actor told Glamour that it’s important to give both men and women the platform to speak up about sexual abuse or harassment because “the system is broken” and people need to fix it.

Baldoni himself experienced sexual harassment at the age of 21, so he understands how the victims feel. “When I was 21 or so, I was very new in the business. I had just done my first show and a girlfriend at the time had gotten me a spa certificate to go to Burke Williams in West Hollywood. I remember there were hot tubs and steam rooms and all kinds of stuff, and it’s kind of fancier people, wealthier guys,” he shared.

After he jumped in the hot tub, he saw a guy look at him then joined him. The guy turned out to be a producer, who boasted of being friends with the likes of George Clooney and Don Cheadle.

“And he slowly started to try to get me to take off my pants because I had my bathing suit on and he was naked,” recalled Baldoni. “And I remember the way he did it, using his power and what he does and who he knows as a way to make me feel less than, like I wasn’t going to be as successful as the other guys who’d been in the same hot tub with him, naked.”

Baldoni admitted he contemplated for a split second about what he should do. Thankfully, he had the courage to say no and just left. “I could imagine how hard and painful that must be for a woman. I mean I was stronger and bigger than the guy, and [then there’s] the fact that no one is going to believe you if you’re a woman because your voice is already not heard,” he said. “I’ve also experienced [harassment] as a man from women of power. I’ve had my ass grabbed multiple times by powerful women.”