Yasmien Kurdi (left) and Rita Daniela | Image: Instagram/@yasmien_kurdi, @missritadaniela
Actress Yasmien Kurdi recalled her past traumatic sexual harassment experience in the hands of fellow actor Baron Geisler, saying that until today she still “shakes” whenever she talks about it.
In a recent interview with DZRH radio, Kurdi was asked about the recent issue about actress-singer Rita Daniela, who filled acts of lasciviousness case against her “Widows’ War” co-actor Archie Alemania.
The “StarStruck” alumna remarked that it saddens her to hear cases of sexual harassment in showbiz considering she was also a victim of one.
“I feel sad when I hear such news, because it is not beautiful. It is not good for both parties, many people are affected, the issue is too heavy. When I went through that, I was really young, and I am at work,” she said.
The 35-year-old actress explained that the trauma of the assault still lingers upon her today.
“It’s a difficult feeling, because it’s so heavy, you always go to the hearing. Then, if someone doesn’t show up, you already made an effort. You know there’s a lot going on. It was really traumatic; for me, when I remember that, look, I’m shaking now. To this day, when I remember what happened, it’s really traumatizing,” she said.
Kurdi admitted that she doesn’t know the full details of what transpired between Daniela and Alemania, but said she sympathizes with all victims of sexual assault.
“All I can say is, don’t be afraid. Speak up. And don’t mind jokes that would come after that, but you should firmly ask them to stop,” she said.
She further said that it’s important for management to know what happened so that they can make the proper intervention.
It can be recalled that in 2009 Kurdi filed acts of lasciviousness and unjust vexation against Geisler after the latter sexually harassed the former during the filming of their series, “Suspetsa.”
However, in 2011, Kurdi withdrew her complaint after Geisler made a personal and public apology.
Meanwhile, last month, Daniela filed charges against Alemania as she alleged that the latter sexually violated her by kissing and touching her without consent after a work gathering on Sept. 8.