Common Explains Why He Revealed Being Molested As A Child In New Memoir

Lonnie Rashid Lynn (aka Common) is currently promoting his new memoir Let Love Have the Last Word. A section of the autobiography covers the Oscar and Grammy winner opening up about being molested as a child.

Apparently, Common recalled repressed memories about the sexual assault while preparing for the 2018 film The Tale. The abuse allegedly took place while on a family trip. During the outing, 9-year-old Lonnie had to sleep in the same bed with someone he names "Brandon."

"At some point, I felt Brandon’s hand on me. I pushed him away. I don’t remember saying a whole lot besides ‘No, no, no.' He kept saying ‘It’s okay, It’s okay,’ as he pulled down my shorts and molested me. After he stopped he kept asking me to perform it on him. I kept repeating ‘No’ and pushing him away. I felt a deep and sudden shame for what happened," writes Common in the book.

TMZ caught up with the 47-year-old entertainer and asked him about divulging such personal information. Common said, "It's something I know a lot of people experience, especially black young men and women, and just people in general, have experienced that type of thing. A lot of people are afraid to talk about it, but the only way we stop the cycle is to talk about it. That's why I chose to say something."

Last year, Florida rapper Denzel Curry also publicly discussed being molested as a minor. He told The Breakfast Club, "It's really not something I like talking about. I don't like feeling like that. I just don't like thinking about it. I hate it. That's what makes me want to be a better person every day."