Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 25, 2025 · Entertainment

Mariska Hargitay's Brave Revelation: Husband's Reaction to Assault

Mariska Hargitay opened up about how her husband Peter Hermann (seen together in June 2025) reacted to her bombshell revelation she was raped by a friend when she was in her 30s

SCANDALOUS SECRETS: Mariska Hargitay's Shocking Rape Revelation and How Her Husband Reacted

In a jaw-dropping revelation, actress Mariska Hargitay, 61, opened up about her traumatic experience being raped by a friend in her 30s. The Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star shared the devastating details on the Call Her Daddy podcast with Alex Cooper.

As she revealed the shocking truth, Mariska candidly discussed how her husband, Peter Hermann, reacted to her bombshell admission. According to the actress, Hermann confirmed that the experience was indeed a sexual assault, leaving her stunned and heartbroken.

At the time Mariska recalled to the now 57-year-old actor what had happened and he confirmed that it was a sexual assault; they are seen in New York earlier this month

The talented actress, who has been married to Hermann since 2004, recalled feeling "in denial" about the ordeal. She explained: "I couldn't process that I couldn't get out of it. I have gotten out of so many things through my intellect, through comedy, through just outsmarting."

Mariska's brutal honesty is a far cry from her usual tough-talking Olivia Benson character on Law & Order. But, as she bravely shared her story, the actress revealed that she had been carrying this secret for years, even minimizing its impact.

In a powerful essay published by People in January 2024, Mariska wrote about the assault, describing it as "dominance and control" rather than a sexual experience. She recalled feeling trapped and terrified during the ordeal.

Back in January 2024, the talented actress made the revelation  that she was raped by a friend (pictured October 2023)

As Mariska delved deeper into her past, she confessed that she had been living with the trauma for years, even before meeting Hermann. The actress revealed that she had "checked out of her body" during the assault, allowing herself to dissociate from the experience.

Despite the pain and suffering, Mariska has used her platform to raise awareness about sexual assault and domestic violence. As the founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation in 2004, she has dedicated herself to supporting survivors and advocating for change.

In a poignant moment, Mariska revealed that she wants an "acknowledgment and apology" from her attacker. She emphasized: "As for justice, it's important to know that it may look different for each survivor. For me, I want an acknowledgment and an apology."

The Law & Order: SVU actress said she 'checked out of her body' during the terrifying assault in a heartbreaking first-person essay - she is seen in the show in 2002 aged 38

Mariska's courageous revelation serves as a stark reminder that sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of age, status, or background. As the actress approaches her 60th birthday and celebrates the 25th anniversary of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in September, she remains committed to using her platform for good.

The Scholarly Note

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.

Mariska said she 'minimized' the rape over the years before she had a 'reckoning and realization: 'My husband Peter (Hermann) remembers me saying, “I mean, it wasn’t rape.” Then things started shifting in me (pictured October with Hermann)

Then, however, Christopher Meloni left the program in 2011 and Mariska was left to become the lead character on the program