feminism

Lena Dunham Defends Girls Writer Murray Miller From Sexual Assault Allegation

Aurora Perrineau.
Aurora Perrineau. Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Adding her voice to the groundswell of victims bringing to light claims of sexual harassment, assault, and rape within the entertainment industry, actress Aurora Perrineau filed a police report in Los Angeles County accusing Girls writer and executive producer Murray Miller of sexual assault. According to the Wrap, Perrineau says the assault allegedly happened in 2012, when she was 17. Miller, whose other writing credits include American Dad, King of the Hill, and Clone High, swiftly denied the charges lodged against him by the Passengers actress.

“Mr. Miller categorically and vehemently denies Ms. Perrineau’s outrageous claims,” his attorney Don Walerstein said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “After being contacted several weeks ago by lawyers who — on Ms. Perrineau’s behalf — sought substantial monetary damages from him, Mr. Miller’s legal team gathered overwhelming evidence directly contradicting these false and offensive claims.” Said Walerstein, “Only after her demands for money were rebuffed did Ms. Perrineau go to the police. Mr. Miller looks forward to sharing all evidence and information with any and all authorities seeking the truth in this matter.”

In response to the allegation, Girls creator Lena Dunham and showrunner Jenni Konner issued a statement to THR defending Miller, claiming Perrineau’s claim of sexual assault is false. “While our first instinct is to listen to every woman’s story, our insider knowledge of Murray’s situation makes us confident that sadly this accusation is one of the 3 percent of assault cases that are misreported every year,” they said in part. You can read their full release below.

During the windfall of deeply necessary accusations over the last few months in Hollywood, we have been thrilled to see so many women’s voices heard and dark experiences in this industry justified. It’s a hugely important time of change and, like every feminist in Hollywood and beyond, we celebrate. But during every time of change there are also incidences of the culture, in its enthusiasm and zeal, taking down the wrong targets. We believe, having worked closely with him for more than half a decade, that this is the case with Murray Miller. While our first instinct is to listen to every woman’s story, our insider knowledge of Murray’s situation makes us confident that sadly this accusation is one of the 3 percent of assault cases that are misreported every year. It is a true shame to add to that number, as outside of Hollywood women still struggle to be believed. We stand by Murray and this is all we’ll be saying about this issue.

Lena Dunham Denies Girls Writer Assault Allegation