Ashley Judd Reveals Childhood Sexual Abuse, Slams Mom Naomi
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Ashley Judd is spilling her guts about her less-than-idyllic childhood growing up in a famous country-music family.
Writing frankly in a shocking new memoir All That Is Bitter and Sweet (excerpted at Radaronline), the actress, 42, slams her famous country-singer mom.
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"My mother, while she was transforming herself into the country legend Naomi Judd, created an origin myth for the Judds that did not match my reality," the star writes. "She and my sister [Wynonna] have been quoted as saying that our family put the 'fun' in dysfunction. I wondered: 'Who, exactly, was having all the fun? What was I missing?'"
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"I loved my mother," Judd writes. "But at the same time I dreaded the mayhem and uncertainty that followed her everywhere...I often felt like an outsider observing my mom's life as she followed her own dreams."
Among her bombshells: Naomi, 65, lied to Ashley's father, convincing him that he was also dad to Wynonna, 46. (Charlie Jordan was actually Wynonna's father). Growing up, Ashley charges, "there was always marijuana in the house." Her father was "prone to taking hallucinogenics," she add.
Following her parents' divorce when she was a toddler, Ashley watched as her mom welcomed a new guy into their home, an "abusive full-blown heroin addict with a criminal record."
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Even worse, she charges, "I was left alone for hours, sometimes days at a time, or when I was passed without warning to yet another relative."
The Double Jeopardy star also reveals being sexually abused by an "old man everyone knew" at a pizza parlor. "He opened his arms, I climbed [in his lap,]" she writes, "and I was shocked when he suddenly cinched his arms around me, squeezing me and smothering my mouth with his."
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39I also support Ashleys decision to release these details. As Kayley said, she's not alone. It's shocking to find out just how many children have been abused and it was ignored or covered up. Kudos to you Ashley, you have kept your silence too long.
I support Ashley's decision to make these details public. Like many people said, there are others who are going through similar problems, and hearing that they are not alone can be a great help to them. I don't think it's inappropriate for her to admit that she hasn't had a hunky-dory life. There is a lot of sadness in the world, and we won't help things by ignoring it.
I find it very interesting that Ashley's book was released 6 days before "The Judds" premieres on OWN. Even though Ashley says she loves her mom & sister, it still feels like a big F you. Because now in every interview to promote their show, the Judds are asked about Ashley's book. Wynonna said she's been too busy to read the book. Really?!
I've always thought their family was very strange.
I worked with a girl 20 years ago who went to high school with Wynona in Nashville. From what she told me, Ashley is not lying.
No one is saying tell no one about it. She doesn't need to tell the world and slam her mother. Just is about making money. Nothing more. And certainly her mother has never said or done anything to suggest her life is perfect. Some of the comments about Wynona and her mother are ridiculous.
why don't you read the full book, not just the bits and pieces stated on here and THEN judge? Or let some nasty old man give you a wet kiss and see if you should never tell anyone about it. Morons.
Good for you Ashley! To this day my mom denies the abuse that went on. Her excuse was "Oh but they come from a good family, they would never do that." And nothing was ever done. You are helping others by telling your story.
If you keep things private then how will others going through the same thing know they are not alone? Why is it always don't ask don't tell? If people just talk about their feelings maybe this world would be a better place.
I miss Ashley Judd & seeing her on the big screen. I hope she returns soon. I can't wait to read her book.
I always thought your Mom and sister were fakes. No life can be as perfect as your Mom likes to make hers out to be. I know you grew up around Ashland, Ky. I live very near by in Htgn, WV and decided long ago never to cross the river to see your Mom or sister.
OMG, how can you all condemn Ashley for coming out and talking about her childhood? She wrote a book about her life, it's called an auto-biography, if you don't like it then don't read it. Plain and simple. I, for one, hold no resentment on the fact that she wrote a tell-all book (from her point of view) but it appears as if almost everyone on here does. Get over it and let her tell her story.
You go Ashley!!! To those who say she should keep her mouth shut...shame on you. At least her "Judd" name can be used for some good. People do listen to celebrities and if her speaking out can help one person then I'm sure it will help her heal all that much more. I have a situation in my life and I talk about it openly. Most feel I shouldn't but it gets others talking and helps them feel not so alone and it's very theraputic. So "until you've walked a mile in her shoes....." Ashley is one classy lady. Have always loved her!
Being molested ONE time can screw up a person for the rest of their life!!!! No matter what anyone says, how many counselors they see, nothing works!!! It may look that way on the outside, but believe me they are falling apart on the inside and very good at not showing it. All the other stuff on top of that I can't imagine what that poor girl has gone through.
Poor Babys, i don't blame her one bit for coming out with childhoot past! i have to admit i was a victim myself and it's very painful and haunting.
It has always seemed to me that the daughters just tolerate Naomi. I'm sure they love her but that doesn't mean they have to like her or enjoy spending time with her blood is not super glue if a family member is toxic to you keep your distance I have a few I avoid.
Talk about taking the trash out to public!! YIKES! Why didn't this stuff stay in private therapy?????
ya her mum made mistake..so are million of woman..with kids..She changed right..so get over it and that suppose to remain out of public..
I am glad Ashley is sharing her story. Maybe it will help others who are in a similar situation or dealing with past abuse. I wish her as well as her hubby, Dario, so much happiness.
tmi, ashley, tmi. sounds like you are resenting the close relationship your sister & mother had & left you out of it. i don't feel sorry for you. look what you have done with your life. you should heal privately with your mother & sister, instead of the public.