Disclaimer: Ron deserves his day in court and is innocent until proven guilty under the laws of the land. The opinions which follow are my own, which I feel motivated to share, but they obviously do not overrule Ron’s eventual judgement in a court of law.
Working with Ron Jeremy
One of the questions I’m most often asked by fans and interviewers is, “What was it like to work with Ron Jeremy?” Or whether I’m still friends with him, or even what’s my favorite Ron Jeremy memory?
“Next question” is my usual response. Prior to the news regarding the accusations against him a few years ago – my memories of Ron Jeremy were still not especially “fond”.
I had always been guarded (especially with my blouse buttons and skirt) around Ron and admit, that because I worked with him as talent on multiple movies (as director/talent, talent/director, etc.), I thought of him as an old friend and respected colleague. That has changed, and I now regret not confronting him about his behavior at that time.
His off-screen antics and personal hygiene were never my business. Here’s the thing – Ron is, and has always been, this “elephant in the room” with a reputation everyone tiptoes around. “It’s ok if Uncle Chester is a molester. We won’t allow that to ruin Thanksgiving dinner again!”
Alarming (if Overdue) Realizations
Coming to terms with him being an alleged rapist and sexual predator has been a harder leap for many friends, fans and colleagues to make. Ron has never assaulted me personally but has been knowingly overly-inappropriate, on many occasions, to my discomfort and embarrassment.
It has gotten to the point (more than once) where I’ve had to physically stop him to get his hands off me – and he has behaved in a similar manner with my radio show guests, co-hosts, fellow talent and friends. It wasn’t until I sat down with women I respected, and listened to them tell me their personal stories, that the picture became clear. Despite our professional history, I could no longer ignore the obvious.
If It Walks and Talks Like a Hedgehog – It’s a Hedgehog
I will not support a sexual predator, famous friend or not. Based on personal experiences and conversations with additional women (outside of those already involved in his current litigation) Ron is fully to blame for his predicament. Innocent until proven guilty, always, but when literal dozens of women – none of whom knew each other before this situation – have all had almost the exact same experience…
I pray that justice prevails and no more harm comes to industry newcomers or anyone else. From Ron (highly unlikely due to his current condition) or other snakes in the business. If nothing else, perhaps all this shady history coming to light will lead to larger changes concerning the personal safety of actors in adult films. I want to voice support for the women coming forward to accuse him of wrongdoing. It’s unlikely to be an accident when this many plaintiffs are involved, and I’d be interested to hear from any adult industry peers or “civilians” as to their experiences with Ron.
An Unpleasant Phone Call From Ron
Upon having a moment of clarity I actually confronted Ron as he called me one day to tell “his side” of the story shortly after the allegations arose. I showed him the palm of my hand (verbally) and said, “Don’t try to tell me 30 women are all lying! you hurt people I care about and respect.Don’t ever call me again unless it’s to ask me to help you take responsibility for what you’ve done, and make amends to those you have harmed. I so truly believe you are sick, Ron.”
To my surprise, he then actually tried to imply a veiled threat. I assured him a move like that would be his biggest mistake – then hung up, and that was it. Instead of wasting any more time on Ron Jeremy, I have chosen instead to turn my attention to those he’s affected whom I might be able to help somehow, and will continue to do so. We haven’t spoken since, and I’m happy to keep it that way.
Ron Jeremy is Not Competent to Stand Trial
And the saga certainly continues. Most recently, two additional women have accused him of “heinous sexual acts” at the Rainbow Room – and have gone a step further by charging the venue itself with negligence. This is in addition to the 21 women involved in the initial case, and after a judge declared him incompetent to stand trial (due to dementia) back in January, 2023 – a development that added a new layer to the already complex proceedings. The dementia factor could potentially impact how the court perceives Jeremy’s ability to participate in his defense and comprehend the implications of the charges against him.
While I wouldn’t wish dementia on anyone, it certainly concerns me in regards to what is going to happen next. It’s troubling to think that if this diagnosis is genuine, he may never be aware of the eventual outcome. And that is a shame stacked on top of a shame.
In Defense of the Rainbow Room
I have been going to the Rainbow Room for many, many years since – I was 18 years old – and the establishment has a very special place in my heart. I was never raped or assaulted in the bathroom there, or assaulted by Ron (or anyone else) and have a very hard time believing for a moment they are culpable in his transgressions in any way.
They have always treated me with respect (and like family) whenever I drop in. It bothers me that they’re being associated with the misdeeds of certain patrons. They would never stand behind that sort of behavior, and (while I absolutely choose to believe the victims) it’s an unfortunate association I hope will be cleared up in time.
Because… I was weaned on Rainbow Pizza and Rock’N’Roll at that place, and celebrated my birthday there annually for years – right up until the pandemic, I think of it as an old friend where all of us (famous or not) are just a bunch of rocker kids on the rug. I have been there through my drunkest days, and my many years of sobriety, alike. My love for the Rainbow Room, its staff and regular patrons, has never changed.
It’s heartbreaking that his out of control behavior might take down a historic monument to Los Angeles, the Sunset Strip and Rock’N’Roll in general – that we all cherish and respect. The thought alone is just heartbreaking.
The Rainbow Room should not be tarred with the brush of Ron Jeremy’s recent unfortunate legacy, and the truth is likely to relfect that when it all finally comes out!
And it Hasn’t Stopped There…
After a long lack of news or updates since the competency hearing back in January, the unsubstantiated Rainbow Room situation has been accompanied by more revelations. Between his bank account and four condos in the L.A. area, Mr. Ronald Hyatt is apparently worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $4,000,000.00. That’s got to be a record in regards to porn star net worth, and proof of how successful Ron has been at branching out into other areas of entertainment. Which makes the potential scope of his alleged actions all the more troubling.
A Tribute to Their Courage
Lesson learned, by all of us, and there will not be a seat at the Thanksgiving table for Uncle Chester this year. All the best to the women who are now making him accountable.
If you were a victim of Ron, and need support during the upcoming trial (however it may play out), I invite you to reach out to me via a comment on this post, or by email if privacy is a concern.
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