As the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements have made clear in recent months, far too many women are victims of sexual harassment, assault and abuse — and fans think the latest upsetting #MeToo story may be Lucy Hale’s.
Fans were worried about the Truth or Dare and Pretty Little Liars actress after she took to Twitter and Instagram to post a now-deleted cryptic message about her own experience with sexual assault, which may have implied that she was recently a victim of sexual misconduct herself.
“I deleted it from Instagram. But this needs to be heard,” she captioned a screenshot of the notes app on her phone on Twitter.
Lucy Hale tweeted this then deleted it moments later. I can’t imagine how she feels, I’m at loss for words. I really hope she exposes that person cause they don’t deserve any justice or sympathy.
pic.twitter.com/zknLJNIPuc— jasmine (@sunnyfxx) January 18, 2018
“I never understood sexual assault until tonight,” Lucy wrote in the message. “I always sympathized, but never truly felt the paint [sic] of it until right now. My dignity and pride was broken. I am completely at a loss for words. I feel for anyone that has felt this pain that I feel right now. But I promise. I will not let a moment go by that I don’t try to make a difference.”
Confused and concerned, Lucy received an outpouring of support on Twitter from fans who believe she may have recently been sexually assaulted:
Just heard what happened to Lucy Hale yesterday. I’m disgusted and angry and sad at the same time and I can’t imagine how she is now. I hope she’ll have the justice she deserves
— whitney (@lousymphony) January 18, 2018
I hope you are well, that you feel strong again. We are all with you, I love you #StayStrongLucyHale @lucyhale pic.twitter.com/6kJ4HLk3E5
— Shay (@camiliwer) January 19, 2018
Im so upset, disgusted and sad at te same time. I cant imagine what you’re going through right now. But know that you’re not alone in this. Im so so sorry. Stay stong my baby. We love you!! @lucyhale
— Sarah (@camrianasloving) January 18, 2018
Lucy has yet to respond to fans or make any further statements about the now-deleted tweet. Whatever she may be going through right now, we hope the supportive messages from her fans will help her stay strong.