Valerie Bertinelli has publicly disclosed that she was sexually abused when she was 11 years old. The actress and chef discussed this personal experience during an interview while promoting her forthcoming memoir, “Getting Naked,” which addresses this sensitive subject.
Bertinelli expressed that sharing this part of her past was not initially planned. However, through therapy and introspective work, she reached a place where the trauma no longer dictates her life, identifying herself as a survivor rather than a victim.
Reflecting on her process of healing, Bertinelli revealed it took at least a decade to feel comfortable discussing the abuse openly. She recounted the first time she confided in her therapist about the assault, hoping it would bring relief, but instead, the emotional burden felt heavier before it gradually improved.
The “One Day at a Time” star admitted she initially coped by turning to food and alcohol for comfort. Over time, she confronted complex emotions surrounding the abuse, including significant shame, but has since moved past feelings of anger. She also recognized that much of her lifelong self-criticism stemmed from embarrassment related to the assault.
In addition to therapy, Bertinelli credited her work on “The Drew Barrymore Show,” her cooking career, and the support of her son, Wolfgang Van Halen, with aiding her recovery process.
Her memoir, set for release on March 10, delves deeply into her experiences and healing journey. Alongside the book, Bertinelli recently launched a digital platform featuring four cooking shows she stars in and is preparing to release “Getting Naked: The Podcast” later this month.