Sheryl Lee Ralph Alleges ‘Famous TV Judge’ Sexually Assaulted Her: ‘Everybody at the Network Saw It’

variety.com:

Elizabeth Wagmeister Senior Correspondent Sheryl Lee Ralph has alleged she was sexually assaulted by a “famous TV judge” at a business event years ago, claiming network executives witnessed the attack, but asked her to stay silent to avoid “bad press.” “I’m at a very public place.

I was suited. I had my suit on. I was handling my business for the television show I was on at that time. He and I were on the same network,” Ralph said, recalling the alleged incident. “This man walked in, grabbed me by the back of my neck, turned me around and rammed his nasty ass tongue down my throat,” Ralph said. “And everybody at the network saw it.” The Emmy-winning “Abbott Elementary” actor and “Dreamgirls” star did not name the man who allegedly assaulted her, and she did not reveal which network or show she was working with, at the time.

Ralph made sure to note it was not Judge Greg Mathis. “I love him. He’s a great man,” she said of the “Judge Mathis” star. “Not him at all.

He’s a great man. This was another one.” Ralph made the allegations this week on the podcast, “The Way Up With Angela Lee.” Getting visibly upset as she re-told her story, Ralph said she decided to open up about it in hopes of encouraging other women and actors to stand up for themselves. “Speak up, tell your truth, do not carry the burden of the pain … especially if you feel like it’s something you can’t work through,” Ralph said.