'Orange Is The New Black' Actress Yael Stone Accuses Geoffrey Rush Of Inappropriate Behaviour - KIIS1011

Orange is the New Black's Yael Stone has come forward alleging that Geoffrey Rush acted inappropriately with her when they worked on the 2010 play 'Diary Of A Madman' in Sydney and New York.

Yael Stone opened up about her experiences with the award-winning actor in a newly released New York Times article.

Stone reports that Rush "danced naked in front of her in their dressing room, used a mirror to watch her while she showered and sent her occasionally erotic text messages." At the time, Yael Stone was only 25, while Geoffrey Rush was 59. 

For the past eight years, Stone has been "terrified" to talk about Rush for fear of Australia's defamation laws.

"In the United States, the legal burden is on the person who claims to have been defamed: He or she must prove that the allegations are false," the New York Times report. "In Australia, in the area of libel law, it’s the opposite."

In response, Rush released a statement claiming that Stone's allegations "are incorrect and in some instances have been taken completely out of context."

"Clearly Yael has been upset on occasion by the spirited enthusiasm I generally bring to my work. I sincerely and deeply regret if I have caused her any distress. This, most certainly, has never been my intention."

"I know I have truth on my side," Stone said in a phone call to the publication. However, the 33-year-old remains terrified. "You can see in all of my communications... that there's an element of terror."

In an interview with Leigh Sales on ABC's 7.30, Stone said that Rush’s alleged behaviour made her uncomfortable. "Whenever women particularly speak about issues like this, their career generally suffers," said Stone. "I’ve factored that into my calculations and if that happens, I think it’s worth it."

Last year, Rush denied inappropriate behaviour during a Sydney Theatre Company production of the Shakespeare play King Lear. 

Eryn Jean Norvill alleged that Rush traced his hand down her torso and across the side of her breast during a scene where he carried her on stage, according to court documents. Rush allegedly made lewd gestures in her direction, simulated fondling and groping her breasts and regularly made comments or jokes about her involving sexual innuendo.

Rush knew he was doing it without her consent and that she couldn't do anything, in front of the audience, to prevent it, the document claims. In a text message allegedly sent to Norvill months after the production ended, he said he thought of her "more than is socially appropriate".

Read the full New York Times article about Yael Stone's experiences and Geoffrey Rush's full statement here.

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