13 Reasons Why star Justin Prentice becomes sexual assault advocate
JUSTIN Prentice plays the villain of 13 Reasons Why and has become an advocate for survivors of rape and sexual assault, speaking at schools and rallies.
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AS THE villain of 13 Reasons Why, Justin Prentice never imagined his role as Bryce would lead to good. But the actor has become an advocate for survivors of rape and sexual assault and speaks often at schools and rallies.
Q Were you prepared for the controversy that came with 13 Reasons Why?
We knew it was going to be divisive, we just didn’t know to what extent. When we set out, we just wanted to do the best job we could in telling this compelling story and trying to show these issues accurately and then it just kind of blew up more than any of us imagined. I believe they did a study which revealed (the show) is helping way more people than it’s hurting.
Q Your character Bryce is the real villain of the show, was there any backlash to you personally?
A lot of it came through social media but I take it as a compliment, like I’ve done my job. If they all loved my character then I did something wrong. The fans seem to have my back when people jump on social media and type out comments like, “You’re a rapist.” I don’t let any of it get to me.
Q Is the fictional Liberty High in 13 Reasons Why typical of the high school experience in the US?
Our show is a dramatised version of events and the job is to try to find a balance of compelling storylines and these important issues. What Hannah Baker goes through is quite a lot in a short period of time. And in season two we have a whole lot of new issues; the gun aspect with Tyler and even more intense bullying. These are certainly realistic issues that are happening throughout America for sure. We hear about it all the time.
Q Have you heard from people who can relate to the rape and suicide issues covered in 13 Reasons Why?
We get countless messages and letters from people saying, “I went through something similar” and, “It’s really cool to see my experiences portrayed realistically on screen” and that’s really reassuring.
Q A letter from a sexual assault survivor who had attempted suicide brought you to tears, what was that like?
I audition a lot, I could have got any role, but the fact it is this one that’s helping people so much just kind of hits me in the heart a little bit.
Q Ironically, you’ve become an advocate for survivors of sexual assault through your TV role, how did you prepare for that?
It’s our responsibility and I don’t know that any of us anticipated this platform but the fact it happened has made us seize it and try to do good where we can. Alisha (Bow who plays Jessica) and I have done a bunch of talks on the sexual assault and rape side and I try to be well informed. I’ve worked with the Respect My Red Foundation (to end sexual violence), Take Back The Night Foundation and I Am That Girl Foundation, so it’s been a constant learning process.
Q It’s easy to hate a character like Bryce, does he have any redeeming features?
There’s a scene in season two, a flashback of Bryce and Justin when they were kids, and it shows they were human beings once upon a time. Bryce does these monstrous acts but I like to think there’s hope.
Q How does a kid from Tennessee get to Hollywood?
I got into my school drama program and started doing community theatre, mostly musicals. That made me realise I had found my passion and I wanted to do this forever. When I was 13 I moved to Los Angeles with my manager and I lived with her for a year to see if I could survive. My mother moved out a year later.