Before actor Christian Keyes landed a starring role in the Tyler Perry-produced hit “All the Queen’s Men”—which was adapted from a novel that Keyes wrote—he had bit parts model and love interest in music videos for the likes of Keri Hilson, Ashanti, Mary J. Blige, Ledisi and more.
Then his career began to take off as he garnered a following, appearing in made-for-TV movies—such as “Lord, All Men Can’t Be Dogs,” opposite Vivica A. Fox— and stage plays such as Perry’s “Madea Goes to Jail” and “What’s Done in the Dark.”
But as Keyes’ star has continued to rise, putting him in more rooms with rich and powerful people, he said a “conversation needs to be had” about abuse of power. On Friday night, Dec. 15, he uploaded a video to Instagram in which he delved into the details of his Hollywood experience and particularly singled out one “powerful man” for his persistent bad behavior.
In the video, Keyes carefully addressed “certain powers that be that were moving inappropriately” to not reveal their identity. But he did talk through several instances of sexual assault and sexual harassment that he has suffered.
This person was sexually harassing me for years,” said Keyes, explaining that the “powerful man” in question claimed and bragged about having “multiple young Black men” on the payroll. “And they just had to show up when he requested them to be there,” Keyes said. “Clearly that’s why it felt to him that it was OK to say these things.”
Keyes added, “I’ve done my best to forgive this person, but it happens. It happens. It’s not just women that have to deal with it. It’s also men sometimes.”
Keyes quickly became a trending topic on X, formerly Twitter, with more than 46 million views of his video, and many social media users speculating whom the “powerful man” might be and the powerful people protecting his bad behavior.
Keyes confession also elicited comments of support and well wishes from other Black celebrities who have experienced similar circumstances in the industry.
“The Hughleys” and “Scream 2" star Elise Neal wrote, “My brother- I understand- and I completely am with u!!!,” under Keyes’ Instagram post. She added, “I’ve been in these situations and I’m proud of you.”
“Get Out” star and comedian Lil Rel Howery commented under Keyes Instagram post, “Proud of you brother.”
Comedian Gary Owens also commented, “ Sorry you had to go through this & have been carrying this with you for so long bro.”
Black culture commentators also weighed in. Tami Roman wrote, “Christian I’ve been around you several times and you are such a light who walks with integrity & peace.” She added, “I’m sorry you’ve experienced this but I commend your bravery!”
“Cocktails with Queens” host Claudia Jordan commented, “You shared a piece of this with me when we first met may be 15 years ago and said one day you would come forward ... and YOU DID.” She added, “I am SOOOOOO proud of you!”
Commending Keyes for sharing his story, “Queen Sugar” star and soap legend Dondre T. Whitfiled implied that there is an even bigger discussion to be had about some of the Black communities top figures.
“Y’all don’t want to have this conversation. If we told y’all about your HEroes and SHEroes it would break y’all,” he wrote under Keyes’ post.
What “powerful man” do you think Keyes is talking about?