Award-winning singer Mary J. Blige opened up some about her history dealing with the sexual assault that she faced as a child, detailing how it affected her approach to the issue now, as a star.
“I’ve had to fight since I was 5 years old ... ever since [the ages of] 5 to 17, I’ve been going through hell with sexual harassment,” the R&B star explained candidly during a red-carpet interview at a British Academy of Film and Television Arts event in Los Angeles during the Golden Globes award-weekend celebrations.
Blige noted that her past impacted her in several ways but that she was not subject to the same treatment as she rose through the ranks as a star, adding, “By the time I got to the music business it was like, ‘Don’t touch me or I’ll kill you.’”
The artist—who was nominated for a Golden Globe as best supporting actress for her role in Netflix’s Mudbound—also represented at the Golden Globes wearing a black gown, standing in solidarity with the #MeToo movement and all those who are protesting sexual harassment across all industries.
Blige expressed her pride in the women who have stepped forward to tell their stories, as well as the support they have received as they have spoken their truths.
“I’m actually happy and proud of these women,” she said. “They’ve been hanging on to these things forever, for God knows how long, and now they’re speaking up and being set free. It’s a beautiful thing for us to see, and for us to support, because we need each other in that way.”
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story misstated where Blige’s interview took place.