Warning: This article discusses child abuse, which some readers may find distressing.
Several cast members of “7th Heaven” have publicly condemned their former co-star, Stephen Collins, following allegations that he sexually abused children.
On an episode of the podcast “Catching Up with the Camdens,” Beverley Mitchell, David Gallagher, and Mackenzie Rosman, who all appeared on the show as children, shared their reactions to the allegations against Collins.
The accusations surfaced after Collins was reportedly recorded by his estranged ex-wife, Faye Grant, confessing to “inappropriate sexual conduct with three female minors” from 1973 to 1994.
TMZ obtained the recordings in 2014, and Collins and Grant finalized their divorce the following year.
In “7th Heaven,” which aired from 1996 to 2007, Collins portrayed Reverend Eric Camden from the fictional town of Glen Oak, California.
Following the emergence of the allegations, reruns of the show were pulled from syndication, and Collins resigned from the national board of the Screen Actors Guild.
During a rewatch episode of the podcast, the former child stars addressed the allegations against Collins.
Mitchell, who played Lucy Camden, stated: “We do not excuse or condone his behaviour. Our hope for this podcast is to reconnect with you, our fans, to relive some 90s nostalgia and to share our fondest memories of 7th Heaven.”
The former cast members emphasized that they personally “did not have any inappropriate experiences” with Collins.
Rosman added: “As we re-watch these episodes, it would be impossible not to talk about Stephen because he was such a big part of the show and our lives. But we want to be clear that we did not have any inappropriate experiences with Stephen.”
Gallagher commented: “All forms of abuse, sexual abuse of any kind, it’s inexcusable and victims of abuse need to be shown compassion and they should be given support.”
Mitchell also mentioned that Collins would not be participating in the podcast.
The trio acknowledged that watching an episode featuring Collins could be “triggering” for fans who are survivors of abuse.
Shortly after the recordings were released in 2014, Collins admitted to the allegations.
In a statement to PEOPLE regarding the accusations, Collins confessed to his misconduct.
He told the publication: “Forty years ago, I did something terribly wrong that I deeply regret. I have been working to atone for it ever since.”
If you are affected by any of the issues discussed in this article, you can contact The National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673), available 24/7, or chat online at online.rainn.org.