YouTube Presenter Lewis Nicholls Reveals Past Sexual Assault in Brave Instagram Video
Presenter Lewis Nicholls has courageously revealed that he was sexually assaulted 12 years ago by two men in their fifties. After years of concealing his shame, the 32-year-old shared the harrowing details in an emotional Instagram video posted on Wednesday night.
A Long-Held Secret Finally Shared
Lewis, who hosts The Lewis Nicholls Show on YouTube featuring in-depth interviews with reality stars, actors, and public figures, explained he did not report the assault to police at the time. He now feels confident enough to speak out after undergoing therapy. In the video, he stated: 'Hello everyone, this is the most nervous I've been to ever do a video but it's something that I've waited for a very long time to do and explain something that happened to me.'
'12 years ago, I was sexually assaulted by two men who were well in their fifties. It was the worst thing that has ever happened to me. I didn't go to the police at the time. I just acted like nothing had happened,' he continued. 'I was given a drink. That drink obviously had something in it. I then woke up to - I don't want to go into detail - but you can obviously put two and two together.'
The Immediate Aftermath and Emotional Struggle
Nicholls described how he managed to escape the location immediately after the assault and attempted to pretend it never occurred. 'As soon as that happened, I managed to get out of the location I was in and I wanted to act like nothing happened. I went home, put my clothes in the wheelie bin and I just wanted to forget,' he recalled. He even went to work the next day, suppressing the memory for some time.
'For quite some time I was able to almost forget it did happen. It's weird, I just put this block because I felt so much shame. I felt shame, I felt weak. As a man it was a weird sense of emotion and I put it in the back of my mind. I almost like locked it in a box and then about two years after that it really affected me,' he admitted.
Impact on Life and Journey to Healing
The trauma profoundly affected his life, causing struggles with intimacy, relationships, and even a need to keep lights on at night. 'I had locked it in a box and pretended it didn't happen. Then I realised how much it shaped my life,' he said. Seeking help years ago through the NHS, which offered excellent sessions for male rape survivors, proved transformative. 'From that, it changed everything,' he noted, giving him strength to inform his family, friends, and colleagues.
Finding Courage and Inspiring Others
Inspired by others sharing their stories, Nicholls now feels empowered to speak publicly. 'I don't feel scared, I feel strong and proud of myself. I got the help. It's not defining my life,' he concluded. His followers praised his bravery, with comments like: 'You are so brave Lewis… This took great courage to tell us about it… proud of you sharing it. You’ll inspire someone else who is afraid to speak out and get help. I admire your strength mate. Lots of love x' and 'very brave for speaking out, always thinking of ways to support others. Hold your head high and be proud of who you are and your strength.'
