Blake Jenner is breaking his silence almost a year after his ex-wife, fellow “Glee” alum Melissa Benoist, came forward saying she is a survivor of domestic violence.
Benoist took to Instagram back in 2019, and detailed the abuse she suffered in a past relationship, never revealing it was indeed Jenner only describing him as someone she met when she was newly single. She said the abuse she suffered from him led her to do things she’s not proud of.
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In an open letter on his Instagram account, Blake took “full responsibility and accountability for the hurt that” he inflicted – before sharing a string of allegations of his own.
Admitting that he spent the past 11 months trying to figure out how to respond to Melissa’s claims, he apologised but went on to allege she forced him to pass on “numerous jobs and opportunities” because of “jealousy of prospective female co-stars,” adding, “I was discouraged from and threatened to not develop relationships with and take photos with female co-stars at professional events (sic).”
While he claimed the “Glee” actress made “threats and derogatory comments” about his female co-stars and threatened to “self-harm out of depression and a deep-seated fear of abandonment” – which, in turn, left him “isolated” – fans began the #IStandWithMelissa campaign and accused Blake of “victim blaming.”
“Blake Jenner waited over a year to make a statement only to victim blame Melissa Benoist and make himself look like the real victim? And only a few weeks after she welcomed her newborn?” one wrote. “His manipulative and victim blaming ‘apology’ means nothing. #IStandWithMelissa.”
Another fan said, “It’s important to support Melissa now more than ever, with her abuser doing what abusers do best – trying to manipulate and pull sympathy. 6 months later, when he thinks people will have forgotten her initial words. F**k him. Believe survivors #istandwithmelissa.”
Melissa has yet to publicly respond to Blake’s allegations. Benoist and Jenner married in 2015 and Benoist filed for divorce in December 2016.
The best apology is changed behavior, we hope there is healing for all parties involved.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, The National Domestic Violence Hotline allows you to speak confidentially with trained advocates online or by the phone (800-799-7233), which they recommend for those who think their online activity is being monitored by their abuser. They can help survivors develop a plan to achieve safety for themselves and their children.
