Corey Feldman’s Bold Warning on Hollywood Abuse Ignored 10 Years Ago

In October 2013, former child actor Corey Feldman made headlines when he attempted to alert the hosts of “The View” about the pervasive issue of child sexual abuse in Hollywood. His revelations were met with skepticism from the show’s then-host, Barbara Walters, who rebuffed his claims, raising questions about the industry’s willingness to confront such critical issues.

During the segment, Feldman candidly discussed the childhood sexual abuse he and fellow actor Corey Haim experienced at the hands of influential figures in the entertainment industry. He stated, “I’m saying that there were people that did this to both me and Corey that are still working, they’re still out there — and they’re some of the richest, most powerful people in this business.” His remarks were met with an uncomfortable silence, prompting one of Walters’ co-hosts to inquire about advice for parents hoping to introduce their children to the industry. Feldman responded with caution, saying, “Be careful what you wish for — that’s what I’ll tell you. Don’t go into it with naivety.”

Walters, visibly taken aback, accused Feldman of potentially damaging the entertainment sector. “You’re damaging an entire industry,” she stated. Feldman countered her assertion, emphasizing the seriousness of the topic he was addressing.

Fast forward to mid-October 2017, as the #MeToo movement began to gain traction, Feldman reiterated his claims during an interview with “Access Hollywood,” declaring, “Pedophilia is the number one problem in Hollywood.” This statement further highlighted the dark secrets that have long plagued the industry.

Reflecting on his 2013 appearance, Feldman expressed his disappointment at Walters’ reaction, describing it as “like a knife in the heart.” He stated, “It was shocking to me that somebody who I admired so much could be so deaf and completely wrong.” Despite his efforts to raise awareness, he reported that he never received an apology for the dismissal he faced during the show.

Feldman continues to advocate for justice for victims of abuse in Hollywood. He expressed a desire for all victims’ voices to be heard, saying, “I still am praying that one day my voice, Corey’s voice, and all the voices of all the victims that I experienced and saw in my time as a child get their voices heard and a chance for justice.” He noted the challenges he has faced in gaining support from others in the industry, stating, “Honestly, nobody in Hollywood has really stood with me during this, and it’s been really rough.”

In recent years, public sentiment regarding sexual abuse has shifted significantly, particularly following the revelations surrounding the actions of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The fallout from his crimes has sparked widespread outrage and has initiated conversations about the need for accountability within powerful circles.

Feldman remains hopeful that the tides are changing and that one day he will have the opportunity to share his story in a meaningful way. As he puts it, “Tides seem to be changing, and hopefully, maybe one day somebody will care enough to help me get my story told properly.” The evolving dialogue around child protection in Hollywood continues to gain momentum, underscoring the importance of shedding light on abuses that have long remained hidden.