Page 159 of Faking the Pass
I turned away from Danielle and toward the TV where music and opening graphics filled the screen, introducing this week’s episode of the Ophelia show.
As we sat together on the couch/my temporary bed, I leaned forward and started fiddling with my already chipped nail polish the way I always did when I was nervous.
The teasers for tonight’s show had been cryptic, but they made it clear it had something to do with Randy Ryland.
Scandalous accusations against Randy to be more specific.
I wasn’t sure who was making them or what they’d entail, but I was definitely here for it.
As the music ended, the screen showed the famous interviewer seated in a chair across from a young woman.
“Thank you for joining us, everyone,” Ophelia said in her warm, deep voice.
“I’m Ophelia Winston, and I’m here this evening with Catelyn Hooper, one of the many women coming forth publicly tonight to accuse actor, producer, and Hollywood powerhouse, Randy Ryland. Several more of them will be joining us remotely during the next hour, and as you’ll hear, they all have strikingly similar stories to share.”
She turned to her guest. “Catelyn, first, I want to say how much I admire your courage for being here and sharing your experience with Randy. I know you’re putting your career as an actress at risk by standing up to someone who wields such power and influence in the film and TV industry.”
“Thank you,” the young woman said. “You’re courageous, too, for doing this show. He’s pretty vindictive. I just hope he won’t come after you, too.”
Ophelia laughed. “Honey, I’ve got more money than God and a little power in the industry myself. I’m not scared of Randy Ryland. Okay, why don’t you tell us your story. When did you meet Randy?”
“A couple years ago. He came to my high school play. I was sixteen—I’m eighteen now. Afterward, he came backstage to meet me. I could hardly believe my eyes.”
The girl went on to tell a story of predatory seduction, abuse of power, and heartbreak.
It was repeated with variations in details and timelines, by six other women who’d agreed to speak on camera. A score of others who were reluctant to appear publicly had apparently joined them in a lawsuit being filed against Randy.
There was going to be another civil case… againsthimthis time.
But there were also likely to be criminal charges.
Several of the women, like Catelyn, had been underage when Randy had approached them and begun romancing them.
At the end of the hour-long show, Ophelia asked a final question.
“Catelyn, what made you come forward, even though you’d signed a non-disclosure agreement and knew it could very likely be the end of your career?”
The girl took a breath.
“After what happened with Randy, I was really hurt, but I sort of kept an eye on him through the media—and on his relationships. When I saw the news that Rosie James was going to marry him, I was so worried for her because I knew what he was like, you know?”
I clutched my chest, fighting back tears. Beside me, Danielle was already sniffling.
Catelyn went on. “I almost reached out to her to warn her, but at the time, I thought it had only been me… that I was the only one he’d done this too. And I was a nobody, you know? Why would she believe me?”
My heart squeezed—hard. A year ago, I’d felt like a nobody myself, a struggling actress toiling in obscurity, waiting for a break.
“But then I saw that press conference after Rosie ran out on the wedding,” Catelyn said. “And I realized he’d done it to her, too. And she said it publicly. She told the truth.”
She sat straighter in her chair. “That’s how all of us involved in the lawsuit found each other. We all saw Rosie and realized we weren’t alone in this thing. I mean, I guess she’s worked it out with him or something since they’re doing another movie together, but she got the ball rolling, and we’re not going to stop until he’s exposed for what he really is—a serial predator of women.”
And now I wanted to sink into the couch cushions and never emerge again.
How could I have agreed to do another movie with him, no matter what the stakes were?
I’d been protecting Presley, saving his football season and his finances, but by doing so, I was inadvertently condoning Randy’s past behavior—with me and with the others he’d lied to and coerced.
I was going to pull out of it.
