Survivor Speaks Out: The Emotional Consequences of Facing Stephen Collins’ Confession

Survivor Speaks Out: The Emotional Consequences of Facing Stephen Collins’ Confession

April Price decided to watch television after taking her dog for a walk when memories of her past came rushing back. In 2014, a news segment revealed that audio of Stephen Collins, the former star of ‘7th Heaven’, allegedly confessing to sexual misconduct with underage girls had been leaked to the media. This recording, made during a 2012 counseling session, was provided to law enforcement by Collins’ estranged wife.

“I remember standing there, watching it unfold and listening to that confession,” Price told Fox News Digital. “Even though they bleeped the name, I knew he was referencing me. That was an absolute gut punch. The worst part was discovering I wasn’t the only little girl involved.”

New Revelations in the Scandal

The turmoil that irreparably damaged Collins’ career resurfaces in Investigation Discovery’s series, ‘Hollywood Demons’, which premiered recently. Hosted by Dr. Drew Pinsky, the show delves into the disturbing scandals that often accompany fame.

The inaugural episode centers on Collins and includes an interview with Price, who alleges that Collins exposed himself to her three separate times when she was just 13 years old.

Fox News Digital attempted to reach Collins, now 77, as well as other cast members from ‘7th Heaven’ and Collins’ ex-wife, Faye Grant, for comment. Several of Collins’ former colleagues, including Jeremy London, also shared their reactions upon hearing the allegations during the episode.

The producers revealed they contacted over 100 individuals connected to Collins, but nearly all declined to participate or did not respond to requests for interviews.

The Courage to Speak Out

As a mother, Price explained her motivation for coming forward: “I could push these memories aside and ignore them. But as a mother, I hope my child would feel comfortable discussing any situation that makes them feel unsafe or victimized.”

“I want my voice to empower others who might feel uncomfortable addressing their own traumatic experiences,” she added.

A Fond Childhood Memory Turns Dark

In 1983, Price, then 13, spent the summer visiting her aunt, a producer living in Los Angeles. The experience was both exhilarating and glamorous for her.

“My aunt Cindy was a role model to me. She was only a year older than my mother and encouraged my excitement about Hollywood,” Price recalled. “I spent time at her production company and visited various sets.”

Price discovered that her aunt’s neighbor was Stephen Collins, known for his role in the adventure drama ‘Tales of the Gold Monkey’. “I was thrilled since I admired him long before my visit. When I learned he was nearby, I was excited to meet him,” she stated.

Summoning courage, Price approached Collins for an autograph. He graciously provided her with a signed headshot.

“That was a highlight for me. I had other autographs, but his was special because it was personally written,” added Price.

A Traumatic Experience

However, the excitement soon turned into a nightmare. Price recounted a disturbing encounter one morning while cooking breakfast. When she looked up, she saw Collins walking through the courtyard, completely naked, right outside her aunt’s large bay window. Feeling too embarrassed to inform her aunt, who was at work, Price kept silent.

A few days later, while her aunt was still working, Collins offered to help Price with her Atari game console. “Stephen had always been friendly and willing to assist, which made me trust him. I naively believed it was innocent, almost like asking my own father for help,” she reflected, regretting her naivety as she looked back.

It was during this visit that Price alleged Collins exposed himself to her. She felt trapped and confused but hesitated to offend him because of his friendly demeanor.

Later that summer, Collins invited Price to his home to view memorabilia from ‘Tales of the Gold Monkey’. Once inside, he appeared entirely naked. Sensing her aunt’s return, Price hastily made an excuse to leave.

“I justified his actions by thinking that perhaps that was just how he lived. I was young and didn’t understand what was happening. I didn’t want to offend him, a good-looking movie star I admired,” Price shared.

Years of Reflection and Regret

“It took many years for me to process the situation, and it was always in the back of my mind,” Price admitted.

Price encountered Collins again in her 20s while working on a set. When she learned he would be present, a wave of anxiety washed over her.

During a break, Collins approached her directly, expressing that he had thought deeply about his past actions. He expressed remorse, akin to an apology, acknowledging the wrongness of his conduct.

“It brought me a sense of relief at the time; it gave me permission to move on. He recognized what he did was wrong and admitted responsibility, which made a difference to me,” Price said.

The Fallout from Collin’s Actions

Grant, Collins’ ex-wife, revealed she provided authorities with the audio from the counseling session where he admitted to his inappropriate behavior. Following its leak, reruns of ‘7th Heaven’ vanished from cable television, and Collins quickly lost acting opportunities.

At that time, three law enforcement agencies stated they were investigating the allegations against Collins.

In a public statement issued in 2014, Collins confessed to having inappropriate sexual conduct with minors from 1973 to 1994. He later denied being a pedophile, characterizing himself instead as someone who had “exhibitionist urges” and “poor impulse control.”

Collins stated that he had been in treatment for two decades and emphasized he had not experienced similar urges since 1994.

Empowerment Through Truth

Today, Price finds her voice again. She admitted that revisiting these memories makes her feel “sick to my stomach” but stands by her decision to speak out.

“I want people to realize that it is okay to voice their experiences. The label of being a victim doesn’t sit well with me. Talking about trauma can empower us all. If one individual finds strength in my story, then I feel fulfilled,” she concluded.