‘Your public username.’
‘Maverick Hunt,’ he replied.
‘Maverick Hunt will appear below your handle anyway.’
‘So, what’s the point in the handle?’
Sierra hesitated perceptibly. ‘I have no idea. Just run with it.’
‘What’s yours?’
‘Corporate_Cowgirl.’
‘Huh. Okay … Make mine … NK_Fanboy.’
Sierra laughed. ‘Really? What if the media get ahold of that?’
‘Yeah, I wanna make her smile, even when I’m not there. And fuck the media. Let them come. The more there are here, the less there are hounding Nina in LA.’
‘Aw, Mav,’ she sniffled mockingly. Her fingers flew across his phone as she continued the set-up. ‘Okay. What do you want as your profile picture?’
‘There’s one of Barbie saved on my phone. She doesn’t want us public, and I can respect that. But she’ll know that it’s me, know that I’m here for her even if I have to keep my distance …’
She scoured his messages. ‘Got it. That’ll also be your first post.’
‘Does it have to be?’
‘No, you can opt not to have it display on your grid.’
‘Nina’s making a public statement on Instagram today. I want that to be my first post.’
‘Let me follow her.’ Sierra concentrated for a moment, but when her eyes clouded, he knew that Nina and Linda had already posted the public comment.
‘Read it to me,’ he demanded hoarsely.
‘Mav …’
‘I can handle it.’
‘The post just says “Public Statement” but there’s a link in her bio to the full statement.’ Sierra took a deep breath and began.
To my colleagues, fans, and fellow victims,
As many of you know, false assault allegations have been made against me by Alexander Cane, the producer on my new movie:Shadowlands. While I’m not usually one to post about my personal life, I’ve recently (with the help of many friends) found the courage to speak up.
On June 2nd, Alexander Cane broke into my home in the Hollywood Hills. He physically and sexually assaulted me and then fled the scene once he realized I had been on the phone with @PhotoQueen immediately prior to, and during, the assault.
I was taken to the hospital with a severe concussion and two fractured ribs.
During my hospital stay, Alexander came to see me. He apologized and told me he had a substance abuse problem, and that he was seeking help for it. He then advised me to remain quiet regarding what he repeatedly called a ‘misunderstanding’ if I wanted to win an Academy Award for my role inShadowlands.
I ran.
I’m ashamed to admit it now. But I was scared. I still am. For my personal safety, of course. But also, I’m afraid of losing everything that I have worked so hard for.
Though it shames me to admit it, I also didn’t want anyone to know what had happened to me. It’s hard enough to stop seeing yourself as a victim, as weak, helpless … But it’s impossible to stop other people from seeing you differently once the world knows …
So, I lied.
