ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: What kind of reactions to the episode have you experienced?
It was a great point of pride for both [Private Practicecreator] Shonda Rhimes and myself.
And in like kind, theRAINNhotline has just been booming.
Credit: Adam Larkey/ABC
I say that knowing that its not just people who are reporting attacks but people who are co-survivors.
People have come up to me and thanked me.
Im reeling from that.
Our little TV show done good.
What about Charlottes decision not to report the rape yet?
Its a very important part of Charlotte Kings story and its also a very realistic response.
This is not a woman who is necessarily the most open person to begin with.
That was orchestrated very carefully with what we learned from the rape treatment center.
And its also not over.
Youve not seen the last of [rapist] Lee McHenry [played by Nicholas Brendon].
Youve certainly got, in this next episode, the truth coming out.
More importantly, I think its great to actually tell the story of someone who is in true denial.
I mean, this happens.
Its a fictitious circumstance because its my character.
But people dont come forward for decades sometimes.
And I hope it was clear from the PSA that we did that we want people to seek help.
But I think its very appropriate for the character, what we did.
So I love that weve done it that way.
What did you think of Charlottes assertion that we rarely see rape depicted realistically on TV?
We filmed a lot of footage you never saw.
That was exactly what we intended.
Do you think this shows the power of TV to do good?
Theres no way this doesnt do good.
Anytime you’ve got the option to be of service, particularly in entertainment, is a blessing.
Its an intimate relationship the television has with people.
So to use the opportunity to bring a delicate subject matter into peoples consciousness is such a gift.
How will we see this playing out in subsequent episodes?
Youve not seen the last of Lee McHenry.
Obviously a person has to reconnect intimately with their partner.
They have to face the space where this unthinkable crime happened.
And they have to venture to pick up the pieces and become whole again.
Youre gonna see Charlotte do all of that.
Read more:
First Look: Private Practice confronts rape
