Remember Stephen Collins ? For many he was the wholesome Reverend Eric Camden from ' 7th Heaven ' the ultimate TV dad. But behind the on-screen persona was a dark secret. Now a new documentary series 'Hollywood Demons' is revisiting the shocking allegations of sexual misconduct that derailed his career and shattered his image. Get ready to unpack this disturbing story.
'Hollywood Demons' Docuseries Re-Opens Wounds: Accuser April Price Shares Her Painful Story
Investigation Discovery's new series 'Hollywood Demons' hosted by Dr Drew Pinsky is diving into celebrity scandals. The first episode focuses on Stephen Collins and features a powerful interview with April Price. Price is one of Collins' accusers and she is sharing her experience in detail.
Price explains that back in 2014 news broke about audio recordings where Collins confessed to sexual misconduct with underage girls. These recordings from a 2012 therapy session were leaked to TMZ. Price recalls watching the news report and feeling like her past was suddenly thrown back in her face. Even though her name was not directly said she knew it was her story being described. Finding out she wasn't the only victim was devastating.
In the documentary Price recounts meeting Collins when she was 13 during a summer visit to her aunt in Los Angeles in 1983. She was a fan of his show 'Tales of the Gold Monkey'. Collins lived next door to her aunt and seemed friendly and kind initially. She even got an autograph from him. However Price claims that over that summer Collins exposed himself to her not just once but three separate times. It is these alleged incidents Price details in 'Hollywood Demons'.
'7th Heaven' Co-stars React: Jeremy London Initially Defends Collins While Kyle Searles Expresses Shock
The documentary doesn't just focus on Price's account. It also features reactions from some of Collins' '7th Heaven' co-stars. Jeremy London who played Reverend Camden's temporary replacement Chandler Hampton in later seasons initially defends Collins. London admits he "never noticed a damn thing" inappropriate from Collins on set with young actresses. He states Collins was "America's dad" and he still cares for him.
However London's perspective shifts when he hears the audio confession in the documentary. He acknowledges it's "tough" and "hard" especially as a father himself. He ultimately concludes "Stephen Collins would be a dead man if that was my child." This shows a significant change in London's view after confronting the reality of the allegations.
Kyle Searles who played Mac in '7th Heaven' during its final seasons also appears in 'Hollywood Demons'. Searles admits he admired Collins on set seeing him as a role model of humility. He recalls Collins driving a modest car despite his wealth. But upon hearing Collins' confession Searles is visibly shaken and even tears up. He says "This is the first time that I’ve ever thought that he’s full of stuff." Searles notes his world view changed when he became a parent and his tolerance for such actions is gone. He realizes he might have put Collins "on a professional pedestal a bit too much."
Collins' Confession and Aftermath: Limited Accountability and Career Fallout Explored
The documentary reminds viewers that Collins did confess to sexual misconduct in 2014 after the audio leak. He gave a statement to People magazine admitting to "inappropriate sexual misconduct" with three minors between 1973 and 1994. He also sat down with Katie Couric for a televised interview claiming he was "not attracted to children" but suffered from "exhibitionist urges". He said he had been in therapy for years.
Despite the confession Collins was never charged with a crime due to the statute of limitations. However the fallout for his career was swift and severe. Reruns of '7th Heaven' were pulled from cable TV and he was fired from roles including 'Ted 2' and 'Scandal'. He attempted to maintain a low profile after the scandal.
April Price's Motivation: Speaking Out for Herself and Empowering Others
Price explains her reasons for speaking out now in 'Hollywood Demons' and to Fox News Digital. As a mother herself she says she wants to empower others to come forward if they have experienced similar trauma. She hopes her voice can lend strength to those who feel uncomfortable or unable to speak about deeply unsettling experiences.
Price admits revisiting the ordeal made her feel "sick to my stomach" but she doesn't regret sharing her story. She emphasizes that talking about trauma can be empowering and she hopes her experience can help others feel less like victims and more like survivors with a voice.
'Hollywood Demons': Unpacking Scandals and 'Tragedies' of Fame
'Hollywood Demons' aims to delve into various "scandals and tragedies" in Hollywood. The Stephen Collins episode is just the first in a six-part series. Future episodes will reportedly explore "child stars gone violent" the Von Erich wrestling family Taylor Armstrong from 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' and celebrity stalkers. The series promises to pull back the "glamorous curtain of fame" to expose darker realities behind the celebrity facade.
Key Figures and Shows Mentioned in the Stephen Collins Scandal:
- Stephen Collins: Actor known for '7th Heaven' and 'Tales of the Gold Monkey' accused of sexual misconduct.
- April Price: Accuser who shares her story in 'Hollywood Demons'.
- Jeremy London: '7th Heaven' co-star who initially defends Collins but reconsiders after hearing confession.
- Kyle Searles: '7th Heaven' co-star who expresses shock and disappointment at Collins' actions.
- Dr. Drew Pinsky: Host of 'Hollywood Demons'.
- '7th Heaven': Popular family drama series where Collins played Reverend Eric Camden.
- 'Tales of the Gold Monkey': 1980s adventure series starring Stephen Collins.
- 'Hollywood Demons': Investigation Discovery docuseries exploring celebrity scandals.
Revisiting a Dark Chapter: 'Hollywood Demons' and the Lingering Impact of Stephen Collins' Scandal
'Hollywood Demons' brings the Stephen Collins scandal back into the public conversation. It highlights the lasting impact of his actions on his accusers and even his former co-stars. The documentary serves as a stark reminder that behind the smiles and wholesome TV personas there can be hidden darkness. April Price's decision to speak out after years of silence is brave and powerful. The varied reactions from '7th Heaven' cast members show the complex and difficult process of grappling with such revelations about someone they once admired. The series promises to explore further Hollywood scandals prompting viewers to consider the often-hidden realities behind fame and fortune.