Actor Alan Ritchson, known for his lead role in the hit series Reacher on Amazon Prime Video, has come forward with a shocking revelation of a distressing encounter in his early career.

Ritchson shared with The Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday (Apr. 03, 2024) the grave reasons behind his abrupt departure from the modeling sphere.

Ritchson began his career as a successful model and recounts being one of the top earners within his agency. During this period, he was booked for a shoot with a renowned photographer, which involved nude photography.

The supposed agreement stated that this particular assignment would lead to greater opportunities, including a prominent magazine feature and a major clothing brand campaign.

Alan Ritchson

However, the reality of the experience proved far more sinister. “I was sexually assaulted by this person,” Ritchson stated without specifying any names. The aftereffect of the incident was immediate.

“I was sexually assaulted by this guy. I left and drove straight to the agency that I was at in L.A. I stormed in and said, ‘F–k you for sending me there. You knew what was going to happen, and you did it anyway,’” Ritchson recalled, sharing that his agent did not express shock at his report of the assault.

“I quit the industry and it was the last photo shoot I’ve ever had. Those pictures were never seen or published. That was it,” Ritchson continued. “I swore it off and thank God acting found me at the exact same time so I was able to make a switch to a new career, but it left some scars.”

Following multiple instances of sexual assault, Ritchson struggled with deteriorating mental health and eventually attempted suicide. “I hung myself. It all happened so fast, and I was dangling there,” he said about how he “couldn’t take it” anymore.

Ritchson said a vision of his sons, whom he shares with his wife, Catherine Ritchson, stopped him from ending his life, adding, “They calmly asked me not to do it, and told me that they wanted me to be here, alive and part of their lives. I was diagnosed as bipolar right after. Deep down, I was comforted to know, ‘OK, there’s a name for this.’”