Chapter Text
TheAgresteBrand Live on Instagram...
“Hey everyone.”, Adrien greeted, “I’m sure you're all wondering where I’ve been. With rumors coming out that I had been taking a break from modeling because of my...accident.”, he paused for a moment, “As I’m sure many of you have heard I had...an emergency recently.”, which was a nice way of putting got beaten up and bruised so badly he had to go to the hospital.
“Evidence why I look a mess.”, from his bed head to the dark shading under his eyes, “Yes I did have a panic attack.”, admitting he had gone through a moment when he couldn’t breathe and fainted. When he woke up he was in the hospital. After some tests and talks with the doctor, he was released back home for rest.
“I’m making this video to address some comments, concerns, and statements that are being made about me.”, about the articles and video released about his behavior and what appeared to be suspicious behavior, “I want to put on the record that people are allowed their opinions. However, when you make statements without reason or evidence and post it without permission it becomes an issue.”, especially to the person or people being targeted for no other reason than malicious intent.
“So I’ve come to give my side of this and allow you, the viewers, to make your own conclusions.”, he took a moment to collect himself, " While I had hoped to speak about this at a later, better time, and under better circumstances. It seems I have no choice.”, and was forced to show his hand in order to clear his name.
“Earlier this week during what should have been a normal class trip. I was confronted by certain individuals and accused of a crime.”, he began, “For which I was attacked.”, explaining how he had been confronted by his classmates under the notion that he had assaulted one of their classmates. And instead of asking him his side of the story, they instead attacked him. Which ended up with him in the hospital by his bodyguard.
Again he paused to collect himself.
“At first I didn’t know what had happened after I woke up in the hospital.”, remembering being bandaged. His head, his chest, his wrists, and even his ankles. Yet he could remember the pain in his body, “For a while, I didn’t remember what happened. And a part of me...felt like I didn’t want to know.”, like his mind kept pushing the memories away. Keeping them out of reach.
“...But....of course things don't exactly work like that.”, his eating habits had become an issue. One minute he felt hungry and the next he couldn’t even stomach water without wanting to throw up. The sensation he got when he was touched by other people. Mostly his wrists and ankles. Something about the feeling of people touching him made him uneasy and anxious. Even the times when he was in make-up or just being measured. While it should have been a normal work experience, something about it made him feel...wrong. Like something was going to happen and he needed to run.
And being around multiple people, even in the hospital...scared him. Made him feel trapped and afraid something bad was going to happen to him.
“Which brings up the comments about my supposed ‘drug use’.”, he said, “I am not on drugs. At least not illicit drugs as some would think.”, nothing addictive or harmful in the way some were assuming, " Yes the photos show me taking pills.”, he admitted, “But, the pills are prescribed by my doctor.”, explaining how after his attack and hospitalization left many mental and physical issues, much being treated with medication, “Insomnia, panic attacks, migraines, and dietary supplements.”, all prescribed and could be found at most pharmacies in both over the counter and off counter brands, “I take them to help me get through the day.”, it was a need as much as a recommendation not to have a panic attack or stay up because of nightmares or if he was just in pain.
“I don’t think I have to come online to explain my problems. My medical issues and treatments just so people won’t think I’ve gained a drug habit.”, and be forced into a situation to talk about personal matters.
“Nor should I be blackmailed so certain individuals can sell a story or try to justify themselves after they chose to take unauthorized pictures of me without my consent or knowledge.”, though he wasn’t naming names. People in the comments looked to get the clue. Yet, showed more concern and sympathy for Adrien, “At least have the decency to ask me about my business and not try to make up stories to fit an agenda.”
He wanted to talk to someone about what was happening. But...with so many things changing in his home, school, and work life. Even his personal life. He felt alone. That no one would or wanted to listen to him. Would believe him.
“While I can’t tell you all everything that happened to me. I can only say that while it still hurts. These triggers and panic attacks I get. I can say that for now, I’m in a...better place than I was before.”, a less dark place with a light flickering in the distance.
“But, I decided that I’m not going to wait and have people decide things for me.”, and for one of the few times in his life he was going to tell his own story.
“The truth of that day is that when I was in my dressing room.”, a place he shouldn’t have to worry about being disturbed, “My former co-worker, entered without permission. And when I told her to leave she refused to.”, and attacked him and tried to force herself on him.
Evidence by the video and photos online of the assault.
"It wasn't the first time this 'individual' has not only invaded my personal space. She's touched me without permission, gone into my personal space including my phone, lied her way into my room under the guise of studying, and made up rumors about us being in a relationship with tales about dates and meet-ups that didn't and would never happened.", and again she had proof and receipts to contradict everything she's ever said, "When I refused her advances multiple times she continued to harass me and even threatened me on various instances. I even warned her that if she continued with her behavior I was going to report her and have her removed. To which she retaliated by telling people that I assaulted her."
“....A couple of people very close has been helping me through it.”, Adrien said, “Even though I’m not all together, they’ve kept me from going over the edge.”, even from just sitting with him and listening to him. Letting him cry and break down. Telling him it wasn’t his fault. By helping bring back his confidence and giving him an extra push to defend himself. Which included pushing back when others thought he couldn't. He helped him make some tough decisions concerning his life. A decision that would have fallen into the pit of no return and left to fester.
“People assumed they were trying to keep me from other people.”, because they were usually always together, “That they're trying to take advantage of me or steal me away or...turn me against others who were supposedly my 'real friends'.”, when he decided to transfer schools in secret. When he changed his phone number and blocked certain accounts on his social media. Or changed the photos on his social media pages of his new friends. And when he wouldn't allow certain individuals into his home for any reason or even be at the gate.
"The same so-called 'real friends' who attacked me because they believed rumors without getting proof, facts, or even asking questions. And while I was in the hospital dragged my name and reputation.", and were no trying to crawl back because the so-called 'victim' recanted after being questioned by real police and an actual investigation was being opened. When they were the ones being dragged through the mud for their proven behavior. When they felt the social stigma and isolation they thought they could put him through.
“These individuals have been the only ones up until now I’ve been able to rely on.”, even when they didn't even know each other or seemed to have drifted apart, they were kind to him. Helped him and stood by him to help prove his innocence.
“I know wouldn’t and didn’t get taken in by hollow words and statements from other people.”, especially without evidence or reason to believe anything from strangers, “They only acted coldly towards ‘her’ and her group of followers because she was trying to do them what she did to me and everyone she comes in contact with.”, using her words to try to force things the way she wanted.
“I may not be able to trust many people. Even myself. But, I know I can always count on them to protect me.”, and be logical and make their own opinions.
“They taught me that I don’t have to let people use me. That I have a choice and it matters.”, even if he was a model or just another random face in the crowd. He deserved to feel like he had the right to make his own choices. And not feel guilty when people didn’t like what he did, “Honestly, I always felt like I was just made to be some doll.”, to be dressed, poised, and used for other people’s enjoyment. With little to no will. And the fear embedded that if he couldn’t please anyone or make them happy. He would be discarded and tossed away.
“When you're in the spotlight not many people care to ask how you feel or want to look past what’s being printed.”, they just want to see you perform and smile. To keep going until the curtain drops or you drop. But, even then, no matter how good or bad your performance was, people still wanted a show.
And for Adrien, that was his curse.
“I never knew how bad it was until I heard the gossip. Felt the pressures of people's questions and saw the easiness of how people I thought were my friends just turned without so much as a thought.”, even those he held out hope for, “It hurt. It made those feelings of being used and tossed away bubble up. I felt abandoned.”
“But, even before all the gossip around me and my behavior, there were times when I felt alone because of my career as a model.”, and the attention it brought with it, “I can’t count the number of times I had to deal with people, fans, who just felt the need to crowd around me.”, individuals who just came up to him out of blue and got in his personal space. Whether it was just a handshake, to say hi, or take a photo with him.
Which he was willing to do.
“As I’ve stated many times I appreciate all my fans. I’m honored so many people like and encourage my career as a model.”, and thanked them whenever he could, “My issue has come from those small few who feel so entitled that they stop seeing me as a person. Who decided it’s okay to press me for autographs, pictures without my person, and even feel the need to follow and practically stalk me when I just want to take a walk. Or go hang out at the movies or any place out in public, “Just like with the incident in the dressing room and even in my personal life and school. I do not like to be touched without permission.”
“And no it isn’t a rich boy or model thing. It’s a right as a human being and a person to be able to tell people no to put their hands on me without my consent. And give me personal space.”
“And while I do make exceptions for certain people in my life. After so many instances of being clung to, pulled around, and being ‘forced on’ on multiple occasions under the guise of friendship. I can’t even be touched on the shoulder or grabbed on the wrist without being triggered or having a mild panic attack.”, because it took him back to...that place.
“When a person says ‘no’ and asks not to be touched there is a reason.”, it wasn’t to be petty or rude or even just a slight against the person, “And no one who is doing it, male or female, it’s not alright to think you can do it. Especially if you don’t think of the other person’s feelings and then try to use it to take advantage of it.”
“....Admittedly there was a time...when I thought those little gestures. An arm over the shoulder, kissing the knuckles, or just leaning up against someone was okay. Even hugging for me was just a friendly show of affection.”, because with little human contact he had before public school he never knew much about the different ways someone’s touch could be incorporated, “Everyone has a right to feel safe. People shouldn’t feel like if someone lets you hug them for a moment or press a kiss on your cheek it’s a sign that you have a claim on them.”
“Love shouldn’t make you feel trapped or uncomfortable. Affection shouldn’t be used to force yourself or your opinions on someone else just because you like them.”
“Even as a preteen people were always concerned about who I might be dating or assuming because I was seen with a girl, maybe from school or during modeling, that we were a ‘couple’.”, just for the sake of gossip, “And then when some random girl shows up and makes claims of me courting her and us hanging out, which were completely untrue, people still wanted to make claims that we were together.”, no matter how many times he said they weren’t or nothing was going on. People wanted to push and push until they got what they wanted.
“I am not well. And I haven’t been well in a long time.”, for many long weeks dealing with his assault and the constant reminders with the situations he was in now, “Which is why I’m so upset with these rumors accusing me of doing such disgusting and abhorrent things like trying to force someone into a relationship and using my so-called privilege on others.”
It made him sick.
“I haven’t wanted to be around people in days. Let alone be in any relationship with anyone.”
“I’ve been in the hospital for days. Going through physical and trauma therapy.”, so all those claims about dating and being in a relationship, in his eyes, were completely false and fabricated, “At one point my eye was so swollen I couldn’t see out of it. And I was bruised from head to toe.” , though he was sure people could figure from the video and photos that were leaked.
“And even if I wasn’t in the hospital I would never force myself on anyone. Nor would I ever be in a relationship with someone who deliberately lies just for sake of lying. And who has assaulted others? Physically, mentally, emotionally, and worst of all sexually.”
“And then to accuse someone knowing they are guilty of the same thing more than once is completely disgusting and unforgivable.”
“I am done being the victim and I am done being taken advantage of for people’s diluted sense of satisfaction.”
“But, turning on each other and blaming people isn’t helping anyone.”, just making things worse and drawing out the real pain, “And while I appreciate those who came to my defense. Attacking people, whether it be online or in person. Leaving hateful comments and harassing them.”, just for his sake or to make a point in general, "Again I appreciate the show of support, but I don't want people getting in trouble on my account.", even if it was rightfully deserved to certain parties.
“I’ve been there and it is not the best place to be.”
“The worst pain you could ever inflict is the ones you do to yourself.”, because the prison of the mind was a worse hell on Earth.
“So I’m asking everyone. From my fans in Paris and other countries and even those who may not be my fans. Please just...”, he took a deep breath.
“...That’s all I really had to say.”, apologizing a bit for going on a tangent and ranting for a time, “I meant what I said. I won’t be put in positions of exploitation again. Especially by those who think they know me. And ask that anyone who feels like they can’t get out of a position because they think it’s impossible. Because they think they’re overreacting and they don’t want to get another person in trouble.”
“Know you don’t have to make yourself a victim. That you have the right to say no and that it’s never wrong to push someone away who won’t respect your opinion or you.”
“You're a human being. And you have the right to be treated as one.”, something he had been learning about himself.
“Thank you to everyone who took time out to listen.” And for the support and positive energy. It really helps knowing I have such great people in my corner.", even if he didn't know it himself at times, "And a big thanks to Corbin and Chloe.", mentioning the two who had closely stood by him.
“Have a safe night.” , with one final smile and a wave Adrien turned off the live-stream.
TheAgresteBrand has logged off...
...To Be Continued...
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