'No Child Should Have to Face Such Feelings': John Stamos opens up about childhood sexual abuse

In a recent interview, John Stamos revealed that he is a survivor of sexual abuse. Speaking with People, Stamos expanded upon a passage from his upcoming memoir, "If You Would Have Told Me," in which he candidly discusses being abused as a child by a babysitter. 

He described the experience as feeling like he had to play dead in the hope that it would stop, noting that while it wasn't overtly aggressive, it was undeniably distressing. Stamos shared that he was around 10 or 11 years old when the abuse took place and that, at the time, he kept the painful incident to himself.

A Painful Childhood Experience

Although John Stamos had only retained a vague recollection of the incident over time, he admitted that the memory had always lingered, buried deep within him, as is often the case. It wasn't until he undertook the process of writing a book that he fully confronted the realization of the misconduct he had endured. 

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 Now a doting father to his 5-year-old son, Billy, whom he shares with his wife Caitlin McHugh, Stamos expressed his protective instincts as a parent, emphasizing that he would react very differently if someone were to harm his own child, underscoring the profound impact parenthood has on one's perspective.

Reflections in His Upcoming Memoir

John Stamos has long been a vocal champion for the protection of children from abuse and has served as an ambassador for ChildHelp for over two decades. ChildHelp is an organization dedicated to aiding child abuse victims through various initiatives, including education, treatment, and prevention programs.

Described in an official synopsis as a "universal story about friendship, love, loss, and the courage to embrace love once more," Stamos's memoir reflects his commitment to being completely honest and open in sharing his life experiences.

"If You Would Have Told Me" is set to be released on October 24, offering readers a glimpse into the actor's journey of self-discovery and resilience, as well as his unwavering dedication to safeguarding the well-being of children.