Jane Fonda reveals her mother was a victim of child sexual abuse
Jane Fonda told an audience of activists and philanthropists that her mother had been sexually abused as a child before eventually committing suicide at 42.
Jane Fonda told an audience of activists and philanthropists that her mother had been sexually abused as a child before eventually committing suicide at 42.
The actress shared the personal story at an event celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Rape Treatment Centre, which provides comprehensive free treatment for sexual assault victims. She hosted the Rape Foundation's annual fundraising brunch on Sunday at billionaire Ron Burkle's Greenacres estate in Beverly Hills in the US state of California.
Fonda said that while writing her memoirs, she reviewed her mother's medical records and discovered she had been sexually abused when she was eight years old. Frances Ford Seymour committed suicide when Fonda was 12.
"The minute that I read that, everything fell into place," Fonda said. "I knew why the promiscuity, the endless plastic surgery, the guilt, the inability to love or be intimate, and I was able to forgive her and forgive myself."
She said sexual violence was "epidemic", and vowed, "I will support the Rape Treatment Centre for the rest of my life."
Lily Tomlin introduced Fonda, her 9 to 5 co-star and longtime friend. Friends actor turned director David Schwimmer also spoke during the event, with guests including fellow actors Viola Davis, Emmy Rossum and Sam Waterson.