Hollywood star Matthew McConaughey has spoken openly about two deeply disturbing experiences from his youth. In his memoir, Greenlights, the Oscar-winning actor revealed that he was sexually assaulted by a man when he was 18, after being knocked unconscious in the back of a van. He also shared that he was blackmailed into having sex for the first time at just 15 years old.

McConaughey wrote that the experience at 15 left him believing he would go to hell because he had sex before marriage. Looking back, however, his perspective has changed. Despite what happened, he explained that he has never considered himself a victim, saying he has plenty of reasons to believe the world is conspiring to make him happy. His honesty offered fans a rare glimpse into painful chapters of his private life.

His career went on to reach extraordinary heights, from his early breakthrough in Dazed and Confused to his Academy Award-winning performance in Dallas Buyers Club, as well as memorable roles in Interstellar and True Detective. He has also supported efforts to prevent sexual assault, including a University of Texas initiative in 2016 that helped students get home safely after dark.

McConaughey’s story is also a reminder that sexual abuse can happen to boys and young men, and that speaking about it should never be a source of shame. His decision to share these experiences has helped bring attention to an issue that is often overlooked. No one should have to face abuse alone, and survivors deserve to be heard, believed and supported.