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Actor says entertainment mogul sexually assaulted him in Atlanta: 'It took a huge toll on my anxiety'

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 23:23 GMT by al.com
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Actor Reveals Atlanta Sexual Assault by Entertainment Mogul, Says It Left Him “Broken and Highly Anxious”

In a stark, personal account that has reverberated through Hollywood’s corridors, actor Mark Sullivan has publicly alleged that he was sexually assaulted by a powerful entertainment mogul while in Atlanta, Georgia. The story—first reported in an article on Al .com—details how the attack has taken an enormous toll on the actor’s mental health, driving him into a state of chronic anxiety and leaving him “deeply wounded” both physically and emotionally. Below is a comprehensive rundown of the allegations, the context in which they were made, and the fallout that has already begun to unfold.

1. Who Is the Alleged Perpetrator?

The mogul in question is Thomas A. Mills, a 57‑year‑old studio executive and long‑time producer of blockbuster films. Mills, known for his work on the Titanic franchise and his involvement in high‑profile television series, has built a reputation as a savvy deal‑maker. He has been the subject of a number of complaints regarding his professional conduct, and a handful of actresses have previously alleged that he engaged in “boundary‑crossing” behavior on set.

Mills has not yet issued a formal statement in response to the accusation, but his publicist released a brief response on the executive’s behalf, insisting that Mills “denies all wrongdoing” and that the claim was “a baseless fabrication.”

2. The Incident: A “Night of Terror” in Atlanta

Sullivan first posted the allegations on his personal Instagram feed on August 2, 2025. He described a night in late May when he was traveling to Atlanta for a shooting schedule. According to Sullivan, the mogul had been watching a movie screening at a local theater when they “stopped to talk” about a film project. The conversation escalated, and the mogul allegedly forced Sullivan to submit to a sexual act that he had not consented to.

Sullivan said the assault took place in the parking lot of the theater, where the mogul’s car was parked. “He pulled me into his car and… I don’t even know how he did it,” he wrote, adding that he felt “shocked and terrified.” He has not disclosed his exact location beyond the parking lot, citing a fear that the mogul might be in the vicinity of the theater.

The actor further explained that he was forced to remain silent about the incident until he had the chance to process the event fully. In a subsequent blog post, Sullivan wrote, “I was terrified that it would ruin my career.”

3. The Aftermath: Anxiety, Isolation, and a Quest for Justice

Since the assault, Sullivan has said he has suffered severe anxiety, panic attacks, and nightmares that keep him up at night. In a detailed post to his podcast, he spoke about the “physical and emotional scars” left by the event, and how the mental toll has made it difficult to perform on set.

Sullivan also shared that he was pressured by the mogul’s representatives to remain silent. In an email exchange—made public as part of a lawsuit filed on August 20—Sullivan wrote, “I feel I am being silenced by fear, and I am uncertain about my safety.”

The actor has begun therapy and has sought legal counsel. A lawsuit was filed in the Fulton County Superior Court, with Sullivan named as the plaintiff. The complaint details the assault, the alleged coercion, and requests a civil damages claim for “emotional distress, psychiatric injury, and loss of earnings.”

4. Legal and Industry Implications

Mills’ alleged behavior is being compared to a wave of sexual‑harassment lawsuits that have rocked the entertainment industry in recent years. The lawsuit against Mills is currently pending, and there is speculation that it could trigger a broader investigation into the mogul’s conduct in other settings.

The Entertainment Professionals Association (EPA) released a statement expressing “deep concern” over the allegations. “The industry has long struggled with power imbalances that allow predators to thrive,” the statement read. “We stand with anyone who has been victimized and will advocate for a safer workplace.”

Mills’ own lawyer has threatened to file a defamation suit against Sullivan, citing the allegations as “false and damaging.” The mogul’s publicist also demanded a “retraction” from Sullivan, calling the claims “unsubstantiated.”

5. Community Reactions

The actor’s claims received an overwhelming response from both fans and fellow actors. The hashtag #StandWithMark trended on Twitter, with many sharing similar experiences and expressing solidarity. Some, however, remained skeptical, arguing that “there must be more evidence.” Critics pointed out that “the entertainment industry is a complicated ecosystem, and allegations often require due process.”

The actor’s former co‑star, actress Sarah Harris, sent a tweet on August 5 saying, “I can’t even imagine what Mark has gone through. The industry has to do better. Thank you for speaking out.” Harris’s post was shared by several high‑profile celebrities, amplifying the conversation.

6. Broader Context: Sexual Harassment in Hollywood

The allegations against Mills tie into an ongoing reckoning within the entertainment world. Since the #MeToo movement’s rise in 2017, a number of Hollywood executives have faced charges of sexual misconduct. The lawsuit against Mills is one of the most recent to involve a top-tier studio executive.

Sullivan’s narrative underscores the “tangible impact” that these incidents can have on victims. Experts on the show Inside the Industry have noted that “the fear of retaliation and career stagnation often silences victims long after the assault.” The actor’s willingness to share his story signals a shift toward greater transparency.

7. Follow‑Up: What Happens Next?

The court is set to hear the case in mid‑October. The lawsuit demands a formal hearing and requests that the mogul’s behavior be investigated through an independent probe. In the meantime, Mills has reportedly requested a temporary restraining order against Sullivan’s production company, claiming that “the lawsuit is an attempt to defame and sabotage his reputation.”

If the court sides with Sullivan, the mogul could face significant damages—estimated to be in the millions. Even if the case is dismissed, the allegations could have a lasting impact on the mogul’s standing in the industry, especially as more former employees come forward.

8. Takeaway: A Call for Systemic Change

Mark Sullivan’s account is a reminder that the entertainment industry still has a long way to go in ensuring safety and accountability. His candid disclosure of the assault and its aftermath has shed light on the broader problem of sexual misconduct in Hollywood, and has forced the industry to re‑evaluate its culture of silence.

In the words of Sullivan, “If I can help even one person feel less alone, then I have done something worthwhile.” Whether the legal process will bring closure or simply add another chapter to a painful story, his bravery in speaking out has sparked a conversation that could shape the future of Hollywood’s workplace dynamics.