Trigger warning: this article deals with the topic of sexual assault.
Beauty And The Geek’s Emily Mccarthy has opened up about a harrowing sexual assault she experienced before her reality TV appearance and how the show helped her heal.
Taking to Instagram on Monday night after she and geek Jason Miha were eliminated, the beauty opened up about the traumatic experience to give insight into why the show was so healing for her.
“In October 2021 just months before the show I was a victim of a sexual assault from someone I trusted and was meant to be a close friend,” she began in a lengthy caption.
Emily (right) has opened up about the traumatic assault.
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“I was completely broken and was in a very dark place with no hope of finding light in my life again.
“I got invited to interview for the show only 3 days after this had happened to me and even though I was hesitant at first I knew it was the world picking me back up off the floor and giving me an amazing opportunity to overcome the biggest hurdle ever thrown at me.”
The 25-year-old went on to say that she slowly began to heal during filming, crediting the people she met and memories she made for bringing her “sparkle” back.
Though she, like many survivors, said she doubts she’ll every “fully get over” the traumatic assault, time spent on the show helped her learn it does not define her.
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“I just want anyone who’s ever been a victim of this who have experienced such trauma, to know that things will get better,” she penned.
“You have so much to live for. Great things will come to you just please continue fighting, healing and regaining your love for life.”
Emily urged anyone experiencing similar battles to reach out to her as “no one should ever go through this alone”.
“I hope this is a reminder that so many amazing things can happen if you allow them to. Just keep fighting,” she concluded.
She credited the BATG cast with helping her heal.
(Image: Instagram)Throughout the 2022 season of Beauty And The Geek Emily alluded to having experienced “a really hard time” prior to filming but chose not to disclose details of her assault.
Now she’s been flooded with love and support for choosing to speak out online, with current and past stars rallying behind her.
Last year’s winner Lachlan Mansell wrote in the comments: “So sorry to hear this happened to you @eeaassyymmaacc, no one ever deserves to go through something like that.
“I’m so happy you were part of BATG this season, that the experience helped you to heal and showed you there are guys out there who will treat women properly and respectfully.”
“So proud of you for speaking out when a lot of us are still finding our sparkle again. You are an inspiration,” wrote 2021 beauty Bryanna Reynolds.
Her on-screen partner Kiran Rao added: “This is very brave of you Em, thank you for speaking up and so glad to hear the BATG experience was healing for you.”
Though BATG is known for its wholesome premise, the show has seen multiple contestants open up about emotional struggles this season.
Fellow beauty Bri spoke openly on the show about experiencing a miscarriage and healing from the pain after the tragic loss.
If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, help is always available. Call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
