William Hurt Dead: Marlee Matlin Breaks Silence About Ex’s Death Amid Allegations
William Hurt's passing significantly impacted the film industry as many actors and actresses have already reacted to his death.
Still, there were some online users who shared his previous allegations regarding Marlee Matlin in the 1980s. Today, the star spoke out for the first time, and her statement is seemingly surprising.
Speaking to a reporter on the Critics' Choice Awards red carpet, the "Sweet Nothing in My Ear" actress said he was the first person to ask her about the actor's death.
Matlin, who is deaf, added that the industry has "lost a really great actor and working with him on set in Children of a Lesser God will always be something I remember very fondly." (via Radar Online)
In addition, the star mentioned her ex taught him a "great deal" as someone who's working on show business as well as labeling him as "one-of-a-kind."
The actress has not mentioned a single thing about the allegations against Hurt in the past.
Marlee Matlin's Allegations Against William Hurt
According to Page Six, Matlin released a memoir in 2009 titled "I'll Scream Later," where she alleged the actor's true attitude behind closed doors.
The former couple met each other on the set of "Children of a Lesser God" in 1968. Following the movie, they got romantically got involved, but their relationship was controversial as she was 19 and he was 35.
The actress claimed she was abused throughout their relationship to the point that her ex had raped and beat her up after coming home intoxicated in alcohol in the morning.
"I was scared, I was sobbing," Matlin wrote in her book before revealing the "Kiss of the Spider Woman" actor had thrown her on the bed and started ripping off his clothes.
Despite saying no to the actor, Hurt reportedly proceeded to do the unthinkable.
At the time of the book's release, the "Broadcast News" star issued a statement, saying both of them had already apologized for what happened, but he never denied the allegations.
William Hurt Dead at 71
The Academy Award-winning actor's death was confirmed by his good friend, Gerry Byrne, saying he passed away at the age of 71 due to "natural causes" over the weekend.
His son, William, also issued a statement saying his father died on March 13, 2022, a week before he was supposed to celebrate his 72nd birthday.