“Actor Alan Ritchson Opens Up About Past Sexual Assault and Suicide Attempt”
Alan Ritchson, the lead actor in Prime Video’s “Reacher,” recently opened up about his past experiences of sexual assault and a suicide attempt during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
Alan Ritchson
Alan Ritchson, 41, shared that he started his career as a model, working for brands like JC Penney and Calvin Klein. However, he decided to leave the industry after being sexually assaulted by a “very famous photographer” following a photo shoot.
Recalling the traumatic incident, Ritchson revealed that he was promised a lucrative campaign opportunity but was instead assaulted by the photographer. Feeling betrayed, he immediately confronted his agency in Los Angeles, believing they were aware of the photographer’s behavior.
The ordeal led Ritchson to abandon the modeling industry, which he described as largely unregulated, with models often being subjected to exploitation.
Transitioning to acting, Ritchson found success in various roles, including “Smallville” and “Blue Mountain State.” However, he faced personal challenges after the dissolution of a film fund he co-founded, which culminated in blackmail from his former business partner.
Feeling broken and depressed, Ritchson attempted suicide in 2019, but had a life-altering moment when he envisioned his sons pleading for him to live. This prompted him to seek help and he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Though grappling with his mental health struggles, Ritchson emphasizes the importance of open conversations about mental health and acknowledges that it’s a part of his identity that he must accept and manage.
