Gary Goddard denies Anthony Edwards’ sexual abuse allegations

Writer/producer Gary Goddard has denied allegations that he sexually abused former Er star Anthony Edwards.
Edwards claimed in a candid essay published on Medium.com on Friday (10Nov17) that he was just 12 years old when he first met the Broadway producer and alleged that Goddard took advantage of him and another young actor.
“Everyone has the need to bond, and I was no exception,” Edwards wrote. “My vulnerability was exploited. I was molested by Goddard, my best friend was raped by him – and this went on for years. The group of us, the gang, stayed quiet.”
The actor, now aged 55, also stated that he has now processed the abuse after going to see a therapist.
“Only after I was able to separate my experience, process it, and put it in its place could I accept this truth: My abuse may always be with me, but it does not own me,” he noted, concluding, “I did not go from being a victim to a survivor alone. No one does. I had to ask for help, and I am so grateful that I did.”
A representative for Goddard responded to the actor’s allegations on Saturday (11Nov17), and denied abuse had ever taken place.
“Gary first met Anthony more than 40 years ago. Gary was a mentor, teacher and a friend to Anthony, which makes this story all the more disturbing to him. As to the allegations that Mr. Edwards made in his post today, I can unequivocally deny them on Gary’s behalf,” publicist Sam Singer told Deadline.com.
Singer went on to state that Goddard, 63, had played an “important role” in launching Edwards’ acting career and he has nothing but the “greatest respect” for the star.
“Gary is saddened by the false allegations,” Singer added. “The post by Anthony, as well as many of the news stories today reference a legal claim made against Gary approximately four years ago regarding sexual harassment. The complaint was demonstrated to be fraudulent as it was completely fabricated, and ultimately withdrawn by the complainant and his attorneys.”