Anthony Edwards, 7 Other Actors Accuse Gary Goddard of Sexual Misconduct

Anthony Edwards and seven actors recently revealed that they were allegedly sexually harassed by a high-powered entertainment industry leader and former mentor, Gary Goddard.

Edwards's Tragic Claim

Last month, the Golden Globe-winning actor revealed in a published essay that the former Walt Disney Imagineer turned Broadway and Hollywood producer Goddard sexually assaulted him when he was growing up in Santa Barbara, California.

"This is a man who's attracted to little boys, and attracted in the sickest way," wrote Edwards. "This is not love; this is not friendship what he was doing. It is a horror because it is manipulating young hearts and minds."

Edwards first met Goddard when he was a part of a famous Santa Barbara theatre program, California Youth Theater, in the 1970s. Goddard inspired many of his students to pursue their dreams of becoming professional actors and performers. He directed them through numerous youth productions of Jesus Christ Superstar, The Music Man, and Peter Pan.  

Under his tutelage, several entertainment industry professionals had found success in and outside the competitive job market.

Other Actors Come Forward

While Edwards refused to elaborate any further on the claim, several of former Goddard protégés spoke out against their former mentor.

The men accused Goddard of countless disturbing sexual misconduct acts. The acts have included fondling them in Disneyland, attempted molestation and numerous incidents of sexual abuse during overnight adventures. The men fought to make sure that they did not end up near Goddard on any trip or overnight visits.

"I knew I would have to experience things I didn't want to," said former actor Mark Driscoll. He also admitted that Goddard had power over him.

Another former actor, Bret Nighman, stated that Goddard tried to sexually abuse him multiple times between ages 15 and 16. While Nighman fought with Goddard on numerous occasions, he was a pivotal witness to Goddard molesting young Anthony Edwards.

Goddard's spokesperson, Sam Singer, stated that Goddard had disputed all of the allegations.

Other Hollywood Moguls

Goddard is not the only high-profile Hollywood heavyweights to have been accused of sexual harassment claims. Oscar-winning actor Dustin Hoffman is charged by multiple women of sexual misconduct.

Celebrity chef Mario Batali lost his job co-hosting the hit ABC Daytime series The Chew because of various accounts of sexual harassments. Recently, Harvey Weinstein's assistant joined the chorus of women who stated that he sexually harassed them in Hollywood.