Laverne Cox shaken after alleged attack: “It’s not safe if you’re a trans person”

e_lavernecox_113020

ABC(LOS ANGELES) — Orange Is the New Black alum Laverne Cox and a friend were involved in an attack over the weekend.

Taking to Instagram on Saturday, the actress and transgender rights activist said the incident “triggered” her because it brought back the harassment and bullying she faced throughout the years.

Cox, who declined to identify her friend, said they were on a socially distanced walk in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park to “catch up” on Saturday.

“[I’m] just walking through the park, talking with my friend and then we pass this guy, and the guy very aggressively asks for the time,” recounts the Bad Hair star, who adds she didn’t entertain the stranger and continued walking because “that’s the New Yorker in me.”

Her friend, however, did answer the man, who then allegedly asked them “guy or girl?”

Cox claims the man began physically assaulting her friend after being told to leave.  But, by the time the actress grabbed her phone to call 911, she claims the attacker fled the scene.

“It just happened really quickly,” the 48-year-old sighed while fighting back tears.  “It’s not safe in the world. I don’t like to think about that a lot, but it is the truth. It’s not safe if you’re a trans person.”

Cox, who claims she and her friend are “fine,” spoke directly to trans individuals suffering from harassment and trauma, saying, “It’s not your fault that there are people who are not cool with you existing in the world.”

“We have a right to walk in the park,” the actress furthered. “It’s not your fault if something like this happens to you. If you can, travel with friends. It’s great to be safe out there. Be careful. I love you.”

By Megan Stone
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

staticsocialfacebookpr1200x630ironmaiden2024regionalmodacenter1014-0ff3a5d9-4f55-4498-a398-e4c76d0af8e8

Iron Maiden Live in Portland at The Moda Center

Don’t miss the most explosive live spectacular ever as Iron Maiden brings their legendary British heavy metal sound to The Moda Center on The Future Past Tour! Get ready for an unforgettable night filled with pyro, lights,

static_digital_928x288_korn_2024_regional_modacenter_1008

KORN with Gojira, Spiritbox

Get ready for an epic night of rock as KORN takes the Moda Center on October 8th! Joining them will be special guests Gojira and Spiritbox for a night of high-energy that you won’t want to miss.

1972bd2c-ec92-4f33-80b9-ed51276b7445

Snotty Nose Rez Kids – Hot Planet Tour

Snotty Nose Rez Kids – Snotty Nose Rez Kids tore into the music scene with unmistakeable talent and an unforgettable name. Showing off their lyrical prowess and natural storytelling ability, Yung Trybez and Young D jumpstarted the