After a one-night stand with famed lothario, Russell Brand, Perth resident Chelsea Ryder says she was shocked, yet somewhat confused, to read about the growing list of rape and sexual assault allegations against the UK comedian.
“At first, I couldn’t believe what I was reading,” the 42-year-old, now happily married, mum-of-two admits.
Numerous women have accused Russell, 48, of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse.
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The Get Him to the Greek star has denied the allegations, which allegedly took place between 2006 and 2013.
He insists that his relationships have been “always consensual”.
One of the women, going under the pseudonym ‘Alice’, alleges she was just 16 when Russell, then in his 30s, “groomed” her.
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Alice says Russell would send chauffeur-driven cars to pick her up from school and deliver her to his home.
She added that Russell liked to call her ‘The Child’.
Following the allegations against Russell, Chelsea says she felt compelled to share her own story.
The year was 2012, and Russell was in Perth as part of his I Am A Walrus comedy tour.
Chelsea had long been a fan and had taken three of her girlfriends watch him perform.
Wearing an electric yellow mini dress, matching heels and with her blonde hair flowing, Chelsea admits she was dressed to catch attention.
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“Russell was a fast mover … and I was attracted to his forwardness,” Chelsea admits.
“He was confident, quick with his words, and obviously used to getting what he wanted, which I found very sexy.
“I was approached by a security guard, on Russell’s invitation, to (attend) the backstage party.”
The VIP section of the Perth Arena was eye opening, complete with trays of hors d’oeuvres, soft mood lighting, hundreds of tea candles, and free flowing alcohol.
“Russell made a beeline for me, and I was intrigued by how quickly he made his move,” Chelsea recalls.
Later, as she turned to move away, Russell blocked Chelsea’s way. She says he told her “You’re not going anywhere – you’re non-negotiable”.
He then invited Chelsea to another ‘private party.’
But there was no party in the sub penthouse suite of the Hyatt Hotel and instead Russell and Chelsea were alone.
“I tried not to cave into his charms,” she confesses – but she soon did.
“It was … all a bit of a whirlwind, but I was spellbound,” she says.
Chelsea insists she has no regrets about the decisions she made during that night 11 years ago.
However, her heart does go out to the women who have come forward with their allegations.
“I realise I was targeted and quickly groomed, but I felt like I could have pulled away at any stage, if I wanted to. I can imagine some might be scared and run from this type of behaviour,” she says.
If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, help is always available. Call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit their website.
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