Michael Rainey Jr. ‘In Shock’ After Being Groped During Live Appearance

New York, NY - August 20, 2019: Michael Rainey Jr. attends STARZ Power Season 6 premiere at Madison Square Garden (Credit: Shutterstock)

Power Book II: Ghost star Michael Rainey Jr. has issued a statement expressing shock after he was touched inappropriately without his consent, while participating in a livestream for Twitch personality TyTy James.

The video, which has been widely circulated on social media, shows the 23-year-old actor standing next to a group of people — including small children — on Sunday, June 9, during an appearance as he promotes the final season of his hit Starz series.

At one point, TyTy James’ sister allegedly grabs the actor’s groin. Rainey appears visibly uncomfortable and looks away, then raises his eyebrows in shock, and nervously laughs.

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Michael Rainey Jr. was visibly uncomfortable during his appearance on Twitch. (Credit: YouTube)
The actor was visibly uncomfortable during his appearance on Twitch. (Credit: YouTube)

Rainey posted on his Instagram Stories Monday, calling the incident “unfortunate.”

“I am still in shock and don’t fully know how to process what happened last night. This is an unfortunate situation that I do not condone in any way,” the actor said.

He added that the situation should not be taken “lightly” as he “would be in serious trouble if the roles were reversed.”

“The fact is, sexual assault is never okay, regardless of gender or status. We’re all human, and we should respect each other,” he added.

Michael Rainey Jr Statement about being groped. (Credit: Instagram)
Credit: Instagram

After initially downplaying the incident to his followers, TyTy James issued an apology on X (formerly Twitter) Monday, saying he wanted to “sincerely apologize to Michael and his family for what took place.”

The statement reads, “After the actions that occurred during my stream last night I would like to sincerely apologize to Michael and his family for what took place. My little sister was completely wrong and out of line.”

“What she did was very inappropriate and unacceptable. I am truly embarrassed and disgusted by her actions. I completely respect whatever direction Michael wants to go in this situation. After watching the clip, I was completely taken aback with what she done. [sic] I will take extreme precautions with future streams to avoid similar issues and have banned her from participating in future streams. I do not condone any type of assault,” the statement continued.

Some social media users who watched the video called for James’ sister to be punished.

X user @Itismesb wrote, “I definitely think he (Rainey Jr.) should press charges. I want her in jail for what she did. Very disgusting.”

X user @VaniJanae replied to the post by saying, “Your sister is the one that needs to be apologizing.”


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