Victim of ‘The Predator’ sex offender thanks Olivia Munn for taking action

The actor had a scene with Steven Wilder Striegel, a registered sex offender, removed from the movie

The victim of actor and registered sex offender Steven Wilder Striegel has issued a statement thanking Olivia Munn for taking action.

In 2010, Striegel spent six months in prison after pleading guilty to risk of injury to a child and enticing a minor by computer after he was accused of trying to lure a 14-year-old girl into a sexual relationship via email.

Striegel was due to appear in The Predator, which was released this week (September 12). However, when Munn found out about his history, she pressured Warner Bros. to remove his scene from the film. Last week (September 9), she said director Shane Black, who hired Striegel and is friends with him, hadn’t spoken to her since the scene was cut. Black had issued an apology through the press but had not got in touch with Munn directly, according to the actor.

Now, the woman targeted by Striegel has issued a statement revealing her identity for the first time and praising Munn. Paige Carnes, who was previously known as Jane Doe in relation to the case, wrote: “My purpose in making this statement is to reclaim my identity.

“Sexual abuse makes people uncomfortable. It should make you uncomfortable. The discomfort is nothing compared to the psychological and physical suffering of those who have dealt with it.”

She continued to discuss the effects of being abused as a teenager, writing: “I was not able to speak for myself when I was 14. The consequences of this abuse are profound and permanent for some. When the abuse takes place with a child, it is even harder to overcome. You lose trust in everyone around you, and mainly yourself. Your abuse does not define you. With support from others and strength from within, you can overcome the label of victim and reclaim your identity.”

Of Munn, she wrote: “I am also eternally grateful for Olivia Munn’s action. She spoke up for me. She took a stance for me. In turn she stood for all who have suffered like I have. To be acknowledged by a stranger, on a public platform about this issue is incredibly empowering. The positive feedback from social media towards Olivia Munn is uplifting and feels incredibly supportive for me personally.

“I have no shame for what was done to me. I am not the one who needs to carry that shame. My name is Paige Carnes, former Jane Doe. I hope anyone who has suffered like I have regains their voice and their humanity.”

Olivia Munn
Olivia Munn

Munn has responded to Carnes’ statement, sharing it on her Twitter feed alongside a message to the woman. “Your bravery and strength by stepping out from behind the Jane Doe title and “reclaiming your identity” is incredibly awe-inspiring,” Munn wrote.

“Without a doubt, by stepping forward today with such eloquence, you have inspired so many other survivors. THANK YOU for your courage and fearlessness.”

Earlier this week, Munn’s The Predator co-star Boyd Holbrook released a statement praising the actor and apologising for not speaking out sooner. “I have stated before, and I will state it again, I am proud of Olivia for the way that she handled a difficult and alarming situation, and I am grateful that Fox took the information seriously and took action swiftly,” he wrote.

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