Matthew McConaughey has revealed that he was abducted as a teenager, describing the experience as one where he felt 'so vulnerable and unable to do anything about it'. The Oscar-winning actor, now 55, recounted the incident from his 2020 memoir Greenlights, in which he wrote that he was knocked unconscious and taken to the back of a van, where he was sexually assaulted by a man when he was 18.
Speaking to The Guardian, McConaughey said he escaped after waking up 'right before it could have been worse', adding: 'Talk about divine intervention. I got out relatively unscathed. It could have been worse is what I’m saying.' He reflected on the lasting impact, saying: 'Did it crush some innocence of mine? That my nice guy, young Matthew, believed in the innocence of the world and no one would try to do harm to me or anyone else unless I provoked it? Sure.'
In the same interview, McConaughey discussed his views on politics, expressing concern over Donald Trump's disregard for the truth. He noted that while politicians have always been questionable, Trump's approach is different: 'He’s cutting out the middle man.'
The actor also reflected on his decision to quit acting for two years after being typecast in romantic comedies. He considered becoming a high school teacher or wildlife guide before securing more serious roles that led to what critics called the 'McConaissance', culminating in his Oscar win for Dallas Buyers Club.
