Sophia Michaels
Highlighting a story of sexual assault, Hilarie Burton, known for her roles in Hallmark movies, faced disappointment with the network due to diversity issues. In a candid social media post, she shared her stand for inclusivity but was met with a job offer ultimatum, leading to her departure from Hallmark in 2019.
Hilarie Burton has been vocal about her challenges, from fertility struggles to experiencing harassment on set, the star of “White Collar” isn’t hesitant to address the tough moments in her life.
Facing Harassment on the Set of One Tree Hill
During her time on “One Tree Hill,” Hilarie Burton accused the show’s creator, Mark Schwahn, of sexual assault, detailing instances where she was kissed without consent and groped. She narrated her discomfort with Schwahn’s behavior and how she stood up against it.
Burton recounted an incident during the show where Schwahn wrote a scene for her to hug him, leading her to bring family members on set to avoid uncomfortable situations.
Sharing the Struggle of Fertility
After a tough journey to conception, Hilarie Burton welcomed her daughter, George, shedding light on the challenges she and her husband faced. Burton’s openness about fertility struggles aimed to offer hope to other couples dealing with similar issues.
Her book, “The Rural Diaries,” delves deeper into how fertility problems affected her relationship with Jeffrey Dean Morgan, describing the emotional toll it took on their marriage.
Revealing an Incident with Ben Affleck
Recalling her time as an MTV VJ, Hilarie Burton disclosed an incident where Ben Affleck allegedly groped her during an interview. Burton addressed the incident and the impact it had on her while striving to continue her career.
## Hilarie Burton’s Experience
Hilarie Burton had a revelation about being groomed for compliance and silence in the face of inappropriate behavior. She shared how she was subtly trained to tolerate mistreatment, eventually realizing the impact of staying silent and the importance of finding her voice.
## Coping with Trauma
Burton highlighted the guilt she felt for not speaking up sooner about the sexual harassment she endured, expressing concern about how her silence may have perpetuated the abusers’ actions. Now, as a parent to her daughter George, she prioritizes raising her to be assertive and unafraid to speak up against any form of wrongdoing.
## Dealing with Loss
Burton mourned the loss of her close friend, Willie Garson, emphasizing the profound impact he had on her life. She described their friendship and the meaningful moments they shared, including getting a tattoo in his honor. Burton reflected on their time together on the set of “White Collar” and the bond they formed as new parents.
## Overcoming Challenges
Opening up about her struggles with postpartum depression after the birth of her son Augustus, Burton shared her unexpected journey and the initial reluctance to seek help. She candidly discussed the difficulties she faced and the shame she felt in needing assistance, eventually finding support through her partner and writing to navigate her emotions effectively.
