Porn star James Deen has given his first interview since several former co-stars have claimed that he raped them. Deen has already denied the allegations on Twitter, but had to respond after more women came forward.
In an interview with The Daily Beast on Tuesday, Deen said he is “completely baffled” by the allegations, specifically those made by his ex-girlfriend and former co-star Stoya. She was the first woman to come forward late last month.
“What I do know is that Stoya and I did not have a clean break up,” Deen explained. “It was pretty messy, full of a lot of emotions and both Stoya and I are to blame for that. She made threats towards me and harassed one of my employees. She spit at this employee as well as sending very inappropriate texts. I have spent this past week terrified and confused so I can’t help but run through the details of our relationship in my head.”
However, after Stoya, four other women claimed that he assaulted them during filming. Former Teen Mom OG star Farrah Abraham also claimed that Deen raped and drugged her when they filmed Backdoor Teen Mom in 2013.
“All of the accusations are from either ex-girlfriends or events that happened on set,” Deen told The Daily Beast. “I always try to take responsibility for my actions and apologize when needed. As far as these other claims, at a certain point I feel like people have to step back and analyze this stuff in context.”
Prior to the interview, Deen called Stoya’s claims “false and defamatory” on Twitter. “I respect women and I know and respect limits both professionally and privately,” he also wrote.
The California State Division of Occupational Safety and Health said Wednesday that is is investigating Deen’s production company because of the allegations, reports The Associated Press. The investigation was prompted by a workplace complaint, which the AIDS Healthcare Foundation took credit for.
“James Deen could now be cited for workplace violence in addition to health and safety violations,” Michael Weinstein of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation told the AP.