Michael Rainey Jr., known for his role in the TV series “Power,” has spoken out after an uncomfortable incident during a livestream hosted by popular streamer Tylil James, also known as TyTy. The event, which has sparked widespread criticism, involved Rainey being inappropriately touched by an individual identified as James’s sister.
In a clip circulating online, Rainey is seen visibly uncomfortable as the incident occurs. James later addressed the situation on the stream, acknowledging the inappropriate behavior and expressing his own discomfort with how things unfolded.
“I’m trying to literally ignore this shit but I’m getting texts,” James said directly to his viewers. “The energy shifted and n***as got up and left. All that shit really made me feel a way.”
James explained that while he is accustomed to being around celebrities, his sister is not, which might have contributed to her inappropriate behavior. “She never seen somebody that caliber so she started…,” he said, trailing off. “You see what I’m saying? And that’s my sister so I’m not gonna say nothing bad about her. I’mma just check her.”
James emphasized his frustration with the situation, stating, “I’ve never been more mad about anything in my life than I am with how this has all played out.”
Michael Rainey Jr., 23, took to his Instagram Stories to express his shock and dismay over the incident. “At this point, everyone has seen the video circulating online. I am still in shock and don’t fully know how to process what happened last night,” he wrote. “This is an unfortunate situation that I do not condone in any way. I can’t take it lightly because I know I would be in serious trouble if the roles were reversed. The fact is, sexual assault is never okay, regardless of gender or status. We’re all human, and we should respect each other. Most importantly, we should always respect ourselves.”
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In a follow-up statement on his Instagram, Tylil James apologized to Rainey and his family for the incident. “After the actions that occurred during my stream last night I would like to sincerely apologize to Michael and his family for what took place,” James wrote. “My little sister was completely wrong and out of line.
What she did was very inappropriate and unacceptable. I am truly embarrassed and disgusted by her actions. I completely respect whatever direction Michael wants to go in this situation. After watching the clip, I was completely taken back by what she done. I will take extreme precautions with future streams to avoid similar issues and have banned her from participating in future streams.”
In a recent interview with Complex, Michael Rainey Jr. spoke about his future aspirations, mentioning his excitement for “a new chapter” in his career after a decade-long involvement in the “Power” universe. The incident on the livestream is a stark reminder of the challenges public figures face, but Rainey’s measured response highlights his commitment to addressing such issues with dignity and respect.
This incident has ignited discussions about consent and appropriate behavior, particularly in the context of live digital interactions. As the conversation continues, it serves as an important reminder of the need for respect and boundaries, regardless of the setting.
