Actor Alan Ritchson Says Former Partner's Blackmail Threat Contributed to Suicide Attempt
Alan Ritchson told fans at a Canadian expo that a former business associate allegedly threatened to accuse him of rape, leading to depression and a suicide attempt, after which he pursued legal action and reached a settlement.
Actor Alan Ritchson disclosed at FAN EXPO Canada that a former business partner allegedly threatened to report him for rape if he did not meet her at a hotel in Cannes, France. He said the threat caused severe anxiety and depression, culminating in a suicide attempt.
"I'm a suicide survivor," Ritchson said during the event. He explained that he refused the demand, hired a litigator, and eventually secured a settlement, but described the experience as leaving him "really broken and depressed" and feeling that he had lost much of his professional standing. Ritchson did not name the woman involved. He added that the dispute resulted in the loss of a lucrative business relationship with a billionaire partner. The actor's remarks come as he and his wife, Catherine, announced the end of their 20-year marriage earlier this month, after sharing three children. Ritchson is known for roles in "Smallville," "Blue Mountain State," "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," "Titans" and the series "Reacher."