On Friday, actor Anthony Edwards published an essay to Medium revealing the years of sexual abuse he and four friends allegedly suffered at the hands of Broadway producer Gary Goddard, whom Edwards met at the age of 12. Now, in response to the ER actor’s claims, Goddard’s representative denies any abuse occurred whatsoever. “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,” publicist Sam Singer told Deadline. “As to the allegations that Mr. Edwards made in his post today, I can unequivocally deny them on Gary’s behalf.” While dismissing Edwards’s allegations, Singer also brought up previous sexual-abuse accusations against Goddard that led to two 2014 lawsuits against the producer, only to dismiss them as “fraudulent” and “completely fabricated.” (One suit was dismissed, the other withdrawn.) You can read the full statement below.
I am responding on behalf of producer and writer Gary Goddard to allegations posted and made today by actor Anthony Edwards on the website Medium.
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.
Gary played an important role in helping start Anthony’s acting career and acted as his personal manager. He has nothing but the greatest respect for Anthony as a person. Gary is saddened by the false allegations.
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 The complaint was demonstrated to be fraudulent as it was completely fabricated, and ultimately withdrawn by the complainant and his attorneys.
