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‘7th Heaven’ child stars condemn Stephen Collins’ history of sexual abuse
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‘7th Heaven’ child stars condemn Stephen Collins’ history of sexual abuse

The former child stars of “7th Heaven” are all grown up and have denounced the alleged sexual abuse of children by their disgraced TV father.

Cast members Beverley Mitchell, David Gallagher and Mackenzie Rosman weren’t afraid to share their thoughts about their former co-star Stephen Collins during a repeat episode of the Catching Up with the Camdens podcast on Monday.

“We do not excuse or condone his behavior,” said Mitchell, who played Lucy Camden in the series. “With this podcast we would like to reach you, our fans, revive the nostalgia of the 90s and share our best memories of the ‘7th. share heaven.”

The former child stars of “7th Heaven” denounced the alleged sexual abuse of children by their disgraced TV father on the podcast “Catching Up with the Camdens.” Keeping Up with the Camdens / YouTube
Three of the child stars appeared on the show alongside Stephen Collins before allegations emerged. © The WB/Kwaku Alston

Gallagher and Rosman – who played Simon and Ruthie respectively – were the two youngest members of the Camden clan in the pilot season.

The trio added that they “did not have any inappropriate experiences” with Collins.

“Any form of abuse, sexual abuse of any kind, is inexcusable and victims of abuse must be shown compassion and given support,” Gallagher said.

“We want to be clear that we did not have any inappropriate experiences with Stephen,” Rosman said. Keeping Up with the Camdens / YouTube
The former child stars said Collins will not be a guest on the podcast. Keeping Up with the Camdens / YouTube

“When we watch these episodes again, it would be impossible not to talk about Stephen because he was such a big part of the show and our lives,” Rosman added. “But we want to be clear that we have not had any inappropriate experiences with Stephen.”

Mitchell added that her former co-star will not be joining the podcast.

They admitted that re-watching an episode involving an admitted child molester can be “triggering” for fans, and they hope people keep watching.

Collins was allegedly filmed by his estranged wife during a therapy session in which he admitted to “inappropriate sexual behavior with three female minors.” REUTERS
“7th Heaven” introduced the world to Jessica Biel (above left), who went on to have a successful acting career and marry Justin Timberlake. Getty Images

The disgraced actor played Reverend Eric Camden, who lived in the fictional town of Glen Oak, California and raised his seven children with his wife, in the family drama, which ran from 1996 to 2007.

However, Collins’ personal life outside of the camera was very different.

Collins was allegedly recorded by his estranged wife, actress Faye Grant, during a therapy session in which he admitted to “inappropriate sexual behavior with three female minors” from 1973 to 1994, according to records obtained by TMZ in 2014.

In the recording, Collins allegedly said that one of the girls was a young relative of his first wife.

The show ran from 1996 to 2007.

Collins and Grant’s divorce became official in 2015.

The confession led to him being dropped from the sequel “Ted 2,” reruns of “7th Heaven” being pulled from syndication and his resignation from the Screen Actors Guild National Board.

Collins admitted the disturbing acts in 2014.

“Forty years ago I did something terribly wrong, which I deeply regret. I have been working to make amends ever since,” Collins said in a statement to People.

In April, the 76-year-old was photographed in Iowa for the first time in five years.

Collins, a Des Moines native, was caught running errands, including gas for his Toyota minivan and picking up groceries at a supermarket.

He has since married German “7th Heaven” superfan Jenny Nagel and lives in their $557,000 home in Pleasant Lake, according to the Daily Mail.

Fans were shocked in March to see how different the cast looked during a reunion – especially Gallagher, who sports a bald head because people got to know him through his long blonde locks on the hit WB show.

The show introduced actress Jessica Biel, who was subsequently nominated for an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. Other recurring actors who appeared on the show included Ashlee Simpson, Haylie Duff, Mila Kunis and Jane Lynch.

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