During the beginning of her career, Molly Shannon’s agent also represented the late “Diff’rent Strokes” actor Gary Coleman. One day, her agent offered Shannon a chance to meet Coleman, of whom she was a massive fan. As she shared on “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,” Shannon initially thought he was “so sweet.” But everything took a dark turn when Coleman invited Shannon up to his hotel room. It wasn’t until they got up to his suite that she realized the sitcom star’s intentions. Their agent left them alone, and all at once, Coleman attacked her in his hotel room.
She also discussed the incident on “The Howard Stern Show.” “He was relentless,” Shannon said. “Then, he was like trying to kiss me and get on top and I was like, ‘Gary, stop.’ So, I push him off. Then, I would get off the bed. Then, he would bounce on the bed…and wrap himself around me. Then, I would fling him off. And then he got on top of me. … I guess because of his size I didn’t feel physically threatened.” However, Shannon had to continue the cycle of throwing the star off her body until she could eventually escape.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
