‘I Thought it Was Normal’: Ashley Judd Reveals Painful Childhood of Incest & Drugs in New Memoir
- Posted on April 5, 2011 at 10:34pm by
Emily Esfahani Smith
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In her new memoir All That’s Bitter and Sweet, the beautiful and elegant Ashley Judd opens up about her painful childhood. Ashley, 42, is the daughter of country star Naomi Judd.
“My childhood was erratic, chaotic, unstable,” she told People Magazine. “I was so the lost child, who just goes away and can be invisible while sitting in the middle of the room.” Her childhood was full of drugs, neglect, and sexual abuse. From as early as seven years old, she experienced depression.
In 2006, Judd entered rehab to cure her depression. “I would have died without it,” she said.
It’s too late to go back and have a happy childhood, she said in an interview on the Today Show this morning, but “by the grace of God,” things are better now:
The Daily Mail:
The Kiss The Girls star claims she was also exposed to chronic drug use which for a long time she was thought was ‘normal’.
‘I was taught to believe that our lifestyle was normal and never to question it or complain, even when I was left alone for hours, sometimes days at a time, or when I was passed without warning to yet another relative,’ she shared.
‘There was always marijuana inside the house.’
Meanwhile, her father Michael Ciminella, who is not Wynonna’s father, spent his weekends taking hallucinogenics with friends’, Ashley wrote.
Her parents divorced when Ashley was four-years-old and the actress admitted to suffering from depression from when she was as young as seven.
Ashley also claims she was a victim of sexual abuse and incest as a young girl.
The first of the many assaults she endured was when she was still living in Kentucky – where Naomi had moved the family after her divorce.
She says that an unnamed family member had attacked her during her childhood.
But on NBC’s Today Show this morning, she said that she did not realise she was the victim of incest.
“That is what sexual predators do,” Judd said. “They groom their victims and psychologically manipulate. They put that shame on me and now I put the shame back on those S.O.B.s.”
As she was sharing her heartbreaking story on the Today Show, Judd came across as remarkably well-spoken and poised. She even managed to wink at the camera–showing, perhaps, just how far she’s come emotionally from her turbulent childhood days.























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Comments (122)
DAGNY
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:02amWhile the the mother was doing her media blitz about her “deadly” illness, the recording companies who engineer sound at large venues were all receiving the schematics of mikes, cords, stage layout, etc., for the tour 2 years later. Seems mom didn’t expect to die after all.
And I agree, why do professional pretenders think the world cares about their private woes. We can all conjur up some bad childhood memories but don’t try to capitolize on them. They need to get over themselves.
Report Post »Fina Biscotti
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 4:05amGood information. The entire Judd family is a piece of work = anything for publicity.
Report Post »Tam_From_Michigan
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:24amWhile I am sorry that she had a bad childhood, I find the woman to be a total hypocrite. She ignorantly railed on Governor Palin for managing the wolf population in Alaska, she wears leather. How much chance does a cow have in a slaughter house? She talks about making sure children survive until age five, but supports abortion. She talks about the problem of objectifying women’s body parts, but exposes her own. She talks about carbon footprints as she runs around the world promoting herself.
No child should be abused, but I disagree with the posters praising her.
Report Post »BidBerthaDotCom
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:09amI won’t mention the sexually deviant things my friend saw while traveling around Iraq and Afghanistan, but suffice it to say, you should definitely clean up your own house first.
Report Post »tiredofprogressives
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:06amThese people need to tell their psych or a Catholic priest instead of the blasting it to the public.
I don’ care if there was incest or anything else.
Go make a movie and shut up.
Report Post »redsred
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:03amwasn’t her sister (or maybe her mom) the one who advertised her terminal illness a few years back and was miraculosly cured? does this family have a drama coach (or a snarky PR person) on the payroll?
Report Post »it’s really hard these days to keep the spotlight shining.
AzDebi
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:02amRedPillPatriot:
@Islamico
That is soooo funny. everything you described as happening in America is a daily occurance in all “Arab Muslim countries. I remember seeing our troops capturing a night vision video of one of you fruity moooslims doing a donkey… Classy…stay classy Islam…. and keep killing people over your hate filled devil book. Moderate muslims are like Unicorns!”
________________
Hey…let’s stop allowing moos-lims to immigrate here AND instead, let’s save the DONKEYS!
And…the “Unicorns” comparison was priceless! Thanks…I needed a good laugh!
Report Post »Fina Biscotti
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:56amShe should have included her failed publicity campaign – to get Bono of U2 fame – out from under the Scandal of SCREWING the USA and the US taxpayers out of $25 MILLION to build water wells in Africa and not one water well was built.
Judd’s career has not been the same since her Goodwill Train Tour – through the Midwest – with Bono commanding Americans – to make demands to their President – to provide more money to him – for his causes.
Our country was reeling from the Radical Muslim Terrorists attacks on US soil on 9-11, along w Bono haranguing President Bush in a media blitz to provide $25 Million to build water wells in Africa – as an inappropriate distraction – as well as the resulting scandal when Bono assumed the position that he did not have to provide information on what happened to his pet project in Africa or the $25 Million.
People in and outside of the music and film industry – had the overwhelming impression that Bono created a media blitz over demanding US taxpayer money from President Bush – to build water wells in Africa – as a distraction/public stunt – to not have U2′s USA tour cancelled after 9-11 – when President Bush asked for Americans and visitors to America to not gather in large venues to ensure everyone’s safety.
Surprisingly, there were protestors – Standing Up for America – at every train stop – for Ashley Judd and Bono’s Goodwill Train Tour – through the Midwest. By the time of the Third Train stop, Bono could not get off the train – bc people wanted to kick his a$$. The rest of the Goodwill Train tour was immediately cancelled.
At the first train stop, people wanted to know what happened to the $25 Million to build water wells in Africa and not one water well was built. When Judd tried to intervene, she was booed – when she refused requests for her to have Bono respond to the reason why not one water well was built in Africa.
The second train stop, people were asking why Bono did he not give a benefit concert w his band U2 – for the families of the victims for the radical Muslim terrorist attacks on 9-11 – or to give a benefit concert for the military families – who also needed whatever help they could get – since their loved ones were sent to War in Iraq. Bono made the mistake of stating he does not support war efforts. Then he was asked why he did not have benefit performances – with his band U2 – to raise money for his causes – instead of asking Americans to contact the White House for MORE money for him.
Third train stop, Con Game over.
Bono used American Ashley Judd – who was a willing participant – to his next ploy – to acquire FREE MONEY – by having Americans – as US taxpayers – demanding it for him – from our President – and scheduling a Goodwill Train Tour to do it.
Bono’s ego as a mental midget – had gotten in the way of common sense – obviously believing Americans are as stupid as Ashley Judd.
Ashley Judd’s next Grand foray into the limelight – was to do a bunch of commericals – as an “activist” – trashing Governor Sara Palin – that were removed from the airwaves – when the organization hiring Judd as their spokeperson was made aware of Judd’s BOGUS activities – behind the scenes.
The fact that she now has a book – exposing that she was molested as a child – but does not name the person – indicates to me that it is another one of her publicity stunts – to make her family proud.
Report Post »AzDebi
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:45amThank you for the reminders…funny how our past always has a way of catching up with us, huh?
Report Post »kozski
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 8:14amThank you so much for that reminder!! How soon we forget. We want so much to beleive these people are basically good that we forget who they really are. Thanks! I won’t be buying her book or her lies!
Report Post »SCHEXbp
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:28amAnd what about the famous picture/video of her in a dress slit up so high that it exposed her NAKED crotch while she was walking onstage to receive some big award. Too depressed to wear underwear?
Report Post »bereal
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 5:23pmAnd your point is?
Report Post »Just remember, IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT A WOMAN WEARS, HOW SHE STRUTS HERSELF OR BEHAVES, she does not deserve to be sexually abused or misused. You can make personel abservational statesments of dress,speech,behaviour, but never touch.
So, that being said, your morals supercede hers? You have never acted in an unappropriate manner?
give-me-a-break!
RedPillPatriot
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:27am@Islamico
That is soooo funny. everything you described as happening in America is a daily occurance in all Arab Muslim countries. I remember seeing our troops capturing a night vision video of one of you fruity moooslims doing a donkey… Classy…stay classy Islam…. and keep killing people over your hate filled devil book. Moderate muslims are like Unicorns!
Report Post »Peace
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:18amFighting for 1500 years and you‘ll be fighting for the rest of time if you don’t become civilized.
If you hate America, please move.
Report Post »ThoreauHD
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 11:58pmDamn slow news day. If I didn’t know better, I‘d think the USA wasn’t about to go bankrupt.
Report Post »spirited
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 11:45pmBurkas for everyone!!!
Report Post »Goldlady
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 11:35pmShe has always been such an elegant and beautiful woman. God bless her in her resiliance.
Report Post »the hawk
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 11:35pmshe’s PRO CHOCE even late term ! mAYBE THIS IS WHY !
Report Post »jim
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 11:32pmStatute of limitations in Kentucky for child sexual assault is 5 years after turning 18. Too bad, sounds like she should’ve filed a police report.
Report Post »Untameable-kate
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 11:32pmSomething verry horrible must have happened to you in your life for you to make a nasty, completely untrue statement like that. You should seek psychiatric help and in the meantime I will pray for you.
Report Post »libertybella58
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 11:18pmGod bless you Ashley. I hope your bravery to speak out helps other victims.
Report Post »martinrnelson
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 11:12pmI just finished watching “Special Victims Unit” TV show which is all about predators. I love this woman and despise these wicked people. I hold child molesters equal to that of murderers. Death is too gentle for these beasts.
Report Post »JustaThought
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 11:00pm“I thought it was normal” That sent chills down my spine because I said that once when a senior in high school. A friend has seen the whelps on my back and reported them to a teacher we had. Back then teachers were not expected to go any further with such information. My parents believed my days ended best with a good old fashion belting. There seemed to be no difference to them if it was the leathery end or the metal buckle. Mom didn’t like to stop until there was blood showing. I can remember blood coming from every fingernail on my right hand because I tried to lessen the blows to my backside. I thought it was normal. I thought every one else’s parents whipped the crap and spirit out of them each day, too. My teacher told me different and told me I needed to get away. Two months after graduation I was in the Air Force.
Report Post »And years later when I became an elementary school teacher I sought out the abused and neglected students and let them know it was not their fault. They had done nothing wrong. And together we would make it through this.
Know this. There are too many teachers who are like the ones we saw in Wisconsin. Selfish. Self-centered. Only there for themselves and a bigger paycheck and a sweeter, earlier retirement. But there are also those few who will teach as long as they can if for no other reason than because they know they may be the only ones there for back-scarred students like me. More often than not it does not take a better brain to make better grades. It just takes a better teacher with a better heart.
I hope this book of Ms. Judd’s inspires the abused, neglected and unwanted. God bless her for speaking up.
AzDebi
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:57am@JustaThought:
Report Post »“I thought it was normal”
________________-
God bless you for taking your horrible experience and making a difference in the world…I had a teacher like you…her name was Mrs. Kist…she was my second grade teacher…she saw something in my eyes and my demeanor that told her I needed extra love and encouragement…she knew…although we never spoke a word of what I believe she suspected…words just weren’t necessary…what I needed was kindness and encouragement…both of which she freely and generously gave to me…she made all the difference in my life and I will never forget her…I am certain your students will say the same about you some day…God Bless You and thank you as well for your service to our great nation!
moreteaplease
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:07pmYour account rings very familiar for me. I’ll just say “ I know what you mean” and leave it at that.
Report Post »RightPolitically
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 10:52pmIt’s a terribly sad story. Humans are so mistreated by other humans and when the betrayal is within a family, it is ten times worse and more damaging. I wish her a good life in front of her, and all the rest who have endured similar transgressions!
Report Post »conservativewoman
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 10:52pmNeglect harms a child more than any other kind of abuse. Working mothers and fathers need to be reminded of this often.
Report Post »Untameable-kate
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 11:08pmI hate reading comments that imply that working mothers neglect their children. I am a single working mother and my son started going to daycare when he was eight weeks old. I don’t feel like he was neglected because of it, and I think it is good for him to see his mother going to work every day and keeping the bills paid rather than sitting in front of the TV eating Fritos and collecting a welfare check.
Report Post »TallTexasTea
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:32amI’m with you Kate!!! My dad left when I was 9, leaving my wonderful mother with 4 kids to raise all by herself (3 sisters and me – the only boy). She worked 2 jobs and sometimes didn’t get home until around 8pm. My older sister would usually get supper started but Mom was always home to either help finish, or at the least sit down to eat with us. Not one time did I ever feel like she was neglecting me. If anything, it was exactly the opposite! Hats off to my Mom, and all the other working moms out there!
Report Post »LB
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:34amI think we were sold a load of crap during the women’s movement. “You can do and have it all” As a matter of fact we can, but it comes with a price and it’s usually ourselves or our families that suffer. Which then leaves society to suffer. We all need to do what we need to do, but we need to support each other better, as often and as much as we can.
Report Post »AzDebi
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:49am@conservativewoman:
Report Post »“Neglect harms a child more than any other kind of abuse. Working mothers and fathers need to be reminded of this often.”
_________________-
So well said…Thank You!
susieqb2
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:10am@ Untameable-kate: Yikes! Go back and read the comment again- “Working mothers and fathers”. What seems to be implied is for mothers AND fathers not to neglect their children and to take the child’s well being into account when working or pursuing a career. No where ever does she say working mothers are the root of all evil. Your child will thank you in the future for being a hardworker and passing those skills on to him.
Report Post »NickyLouse
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 6:13am“Neglect harms a child more than any other kind of abuse. Working mothers and fathers need to be reminded of this often.”
That cuts to the heart because I am only able to see my children every other weekend due to the fact that I am temporarily working at a job 300 miles away when I could have worked for a little over minimum wage near my home. I was so conflicted and I would have gladly suffered for the sake of my family scrimping and saving, but I did not want to see them suffer along with me. I don’t think I love my family more than God, but I often worry that I am making the wrong choice.
Report Post »libertylady2
Posted on April 7, 2011 at 12:49amNickylouise, I feel bad for you. I hope you can get back to them very soon. Follow the still small voice.
Report Post »voiceofthepatriot
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 10:51pmHate to see someone go through that. I have a very good friend who mimics Ashley Judds personal life almost to a T. It is a constant daily battle dealing with addiction. Good to hear she has fought the fight and won. Many don’t.
Report Post »mill
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:03amSo does this mean Naomi was a real dip weed of a mother?, and does not deserve, in any way, our adoration even for her singing…???
Report Post »Mom had to know the kid was mistreated, shoved around, drugs, etc. Please do not allow MOM to go scott free on this!!!
Keats
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:41amYeah, I agree, had Naomi discussed this before? I don‘t follow them closely so I wouldn’t know. But sounds like Mom has a lot of ‘splainin’ to do.
Report Post »dealer@678
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 10:50pmBehind every success theirs a story. Whatta beautiful woman she is though
Report Post »Link8on
Posted on June 3, 2012 at 8:56amI‘ll pray that Ashley’s does not become another Whitney story.
Report Post »C. Schwehr
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 10:47pmA strong lady…….I can empathize a bit
Report Post »walkwithme1966
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:44amThe Hollywood people sure seem to come from dysfunctional childhoods don’t they? She is a very talented actress – the whole family is talented but what they had to go thru to get where they are – I am not sure it is worth it. http://maboulette.wordpress.com
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 10:37pmGood heavens, the brave, brave young lady!
Report Post »poverty.sucks
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 10:47pmThrough Christ we shall overcome.
Report Post »YouGottaProblemWithThat
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 10:54pmWhat a beautiful and talented woman. I’m glad she has success, and I hope she can be happy.
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 10:59pm@poverty.sucks
Report Post »Posted on April 5, 2011 at 10:47pm
Through Christ we shall overcome.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Agreed.
But she said “the God of my understanding” and a power greater than myself.” Those are carefully chosen words straight out of the AA program, so that even athiests can get recovery, too. “AA is a program of attraction rather than promotion. We need always to maintain anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films.” Those words were written before the days of television.
GIDEON612
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 10:59pmI’m broke so I am so I wrote a book. Please buy it.
Take your problems to God and forgive. Don’t drag people through the mud. Help those that have hurt you. They have a lot more hurt. You have God.
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 11:02pm@YouGottaProblemWithThat
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 10:54pm
What a beautiful and talented woman. I’m glad she has success, and I hope she can be happy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
She is happy, and she will be happy. She has learned how to deal with the things that happened within her dysfunctional family. “We will be amazed before we are half way through. We will know a new happiness, and we will know peace.”
Could you ask for a more beautiful lady than she is? She is poised, and she is open and honest.
Report Post »TERMLIMITSNOW
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 11:07pmMy big brother took her to Senior Prom at Paul G Blazer HS in Ashland, KY in 85 or 86. You never would have known any of this…..she’s a cool chick.
sissykatz
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 11:29pmDid anyone see the movie of their lives. Wynonna,Naomi, and Ashley? I can’t remember the name of it but it would have been an awful childhood.She was ignored even in the movie and was sent to live her father then back to Mother then to relatives and back and forth. I did not even know about her until the movie and started looking for her in movies. She is a wonderful Actress. I wish her the best.
Report Post »GIDEON612
Posted on April 5, 2011 at 11:50pmNever mind, I was going to do a reality check here, but I see there is no use. I will leave you with this, The Today Show, Really?
Report Post »Patrick in AZ
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:00amOK, I’m not picking at Ms. Judd, but there is a pattern here – actors/actresses & other entertainers are far too often damaged or unstable and yet society gives their loony opinions more weight than anyone even remotely stable?
Report Post »AzDebi
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:23amOkay…I support her and I am thankful that she was able to find her faith and God that has allowed her recovery…but she totally lost me when she started talking about “this global family system” we are all a part of…please…so much good could be accomplished HERE at home…many, many, many people are suffering right now…you don’t have to travel the WORLD to find those who are hurting! Child abuse has increased dramatically over the past couple of years…the opportunity for people like her to do great things here at home have never been greater! Well, guess it‘s kind of like ol’ Lenin used to say, “You have to break a few eggs if you want to make an omelet”…I‘m certain that ol’ Barry would agree…all this suffering is simply necessary…NECESSARY to transform America into what THEY desire…PLEASE…enough with the global crap…I’m totally sick of it!
Bring our troops home…SECURE our borders…feed, clothe and heal our own people!
Report Post »redsred
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:59amisn’t she of the same family where a sister, mother, aunt was terminally ill and is still walking around.
Report Post »is there a drama coach (or a snarky PR person) involved here?
dr_funk
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:43amCute how the caption reads “growing up country”…
Report Post »RickWS
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:58amIt’s a shame how bravery sometimes manifests itself when book sales are on the line…
Report Post »colonial10
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 3:40amShe is brave thats for sure. Many girls out there are suffering today. I wish there was a way to have them all stand up and fight or be saved.
Report Post »SlimnRanger
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 6:16ami will never ever be able to understand how or why a man would molest a child,it is so sick,God Bless Ashely,she has came a long ways
Report Post »TunaBlue
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 7:39amPolitically, Judd is a left wing ideologue, as are most in the entertainment industry. Why do we empower actors and the vermin from the entertainment industry to so heavily influence our lives? Who here hasn’t had a challenging life? Who here makes millions of dollars from pretending to be someone else, or writing books about their challenging life? I don’t begrudge them their earnings or their station, but I do begrudge their level of influence over those who willfully empower them.
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 7:40amI think her time ran out in Hollywood and she’s amking up B.S. to get her name back in the spotlight. I’m not buying the unnamed Family member incest for a second. If it truely happened then she should name the member and have and bring them to justice.
Report Post »Marylou7
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 10:58amsmithclar3nc3
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 7:40am
I think her time ran out in Hollywood and she’s amking up B.S. to get her name back in the spotlight. I’m not buying the unnamed Family member incest for a second. If it truely happened then she should name the member and have and bring them to justice.
__________________
Amen. I know girls/women who were sexually abused and once they worked through the pain were more than willing to name names in order to stop the abuse. How is she helping anyone but herself (as all progressives) by not naming her abusers?? Until she puts a stop to it, she is only a bunch of HOT AIR. If your story is true Ashley GET THE FREAKS OFF THE STREETS.
Report Post »Buddyc
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 10:59amMaybe increased government funding for embryonic stem cell research will make her all better.
WHO THE H@@@ cares about this liberal piece of crap?
Report Post »dawg of gawd
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 10:59amIt WAS normal in the redneck South, where every conservative has a pick up truck, a Confederate flag, a pocketful of meth, a cheek full of chew, and a hankering to beat him some women folk.
Saaaaaalute!
Report Post »KOCHLEFFEL
Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:39pmWhat a sweet story of an dysfunctional American family, I bet they are very proud.
Report Post »