On Monday, June 10, a shocking video featuring Power Book II: Ghost star Michael Rainey Jr. went viral. The clip, captured during TyTy James‘ livestream, shows Rainey, 23, visibly uncomfortable as TyTy James’ sister allegedly gropes him in the crotch area. This incident left fans and viewers in shock, and Michael Rainey Jr. has now spoken out about the distressing event.
Tylil’s sister sexually assaults Actor Michael Rainey Jr on stream he then abruptly left the stream 20 mins later 😬😬 PIC.TWITTER.COM/MC0CS3BM32
— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) JUNE 10, 2024
On his Instagram Stories, Rainey chronicled his feelings.
“I am still in shock and don’t quite know how to come to terms with last night’s happenings,” he wrote. “This is a wrong turn I don’t stand for. I can’t take it lightly because I know I would be in deep soup if the tables were turned on me.”
Michael Rainey Jr. speaks out after being sexually assaulted on camera:
“I can’t take this lightly because I know I would be in serious trouble if the roles were reversed” PIC.TWITTER.COM/3CKIBESB0I
— SAY CHEESE! 👄🧀 (@SaycheeseDGTL) JUNE 10, 2024
Michael Rainey Jr. pointed out that the only important thing is that he wanted more to give each other mutual respect and understanding. “We’re all human, and we should respect each other. Most importantly, we should always respect ourselves,” he added. His heartfelt message was fully embraced by most of his fans, who came all out to show him love and sympathy.
The host of the live stream, TyTy James—where everything popped off during the altercation—revealed his thoughts after the situation. Openly airing his view in front of his live chat followers, he was disappointed and slightly upset with what went down.
“Word to my mother, I’m trying to ignore the s### literally, but I’m getting texts. The energy shifted, and N##### just got up and left,” TyTy stated. He continued, “This is your crib, “I’m talking about hospitality that means everything. Quit telling me to ignore it because when I tried to ignore it, you all dick-riders were spamming it.”
But he didn’t pull any punches when it came to coming for his little sister, and he even took to his Instagram Stories a few hours later to post a public apology.
“After the actions that occurred during my stream last night, I would like to sincerely apologize to Michael and his family for what took place,” James, 24, wrote. “My little sister was utterly wrong and out of line. That was entirely inappropriate and uncalled for. I’m sincerely embarrassed and disgusted by what she did.”
— Tylil (@thetylilshow_) JUNE 10, 2024
Mature Comportment Rainey has been heavily featured in the press concerning the scandal. The case is no different on this count. Most outlets have portrayed Rainey’s maturity and poise when confronted with the news. The interest, however, was in the reaction the general public and even actors in the scene made to the occurrence. To be sure, the most infamous example was perhaps that of rapper and actor 50 Cent, who, as co-acted with Rainey, commented on her seemingly not making much of the incident. The response was immediate, and fans and even shows labeled him insensitive.
Despite the hue and cry, no case has yet been filed. However, all the parties are concerned and have treated this incident very carefully; measures for taking steps for future legal action are not avoidable.
This whole incident has had a public relations impact on Rainey. In many ways, it has forced him into the media in a perspective that is unnecessary and utterly unrelated to his professional output. His reaction to this has even been commended because he makes consent a big part of it—way out of line with what is socially accepted concerning the ideal victim in cases of male sexual assault.
Michael Rainey Jr.’s bravery in speaking out has not only highlighted the issue of sexual assault but has also sparked important conversations about consent and respect. His fans, fellow actors, and the broader public continue to show their support, hoping that this incident will lead to positive changes within the industry and beyond.