Stephen Collins, known for his role as Reverend Eric Camden on the beloved television series 7th Heaven, is back in the headlines as a new docuseries, Hollywood Demons, revisits the chilling details surrounding his sexual misconduct accusations. The first episode aired on March 24, 2025, and focuses on the serious allegations made against him by April Price, among others.
April Price, who was only 13 years old when Collins allegedly exposed himself to her on several occasions, recounts her experience in the documentary series. Living next to Collins during the early 1980s, she described feeling “completely defenseless” when Collins approached her in a vulnerable state. In her recollection, she was invited into his apartment under the pretense of receiving memorabilia from his roles but was met with shocking displays of inappropriate behavior.
“I know he saw me standing there,” Price recalls, describing an incident where Collins appeared naked while she was just a child. These accusations form part of the broader scandal that emerged publicly in 2014 when audio recordings from a confidential couples therapy session revealed Collins admitting to inappropriate sexual contact with three underage girls between 1973 and 1994.
Dr. Drew Pinsky, who provided commentary on the docuseries, stated, “Stephen Collins now lives with a woman who is 40 years younger than him. She was a superfan.” This revelation adds a complicated layer to Collins' narrative as he has consistently sought to keep a low profile since the allegations surfaced.
Collins’ fall from grace began when leaked tapes from a 2012 therapy session surfaced, which included his confessions regarding past misconduct. He admitted to exposing himself to young girls and expressed regret for his actions. During a 2014 interview with Katie Couric, he described himself as someone with “exhibitionist urges” rather than identifying as a pedophile. “I’m absolutely not attracted, physically or sexually attracted, to children. I’m just not,” he asserted, attempting to differentiate his actions from the implications for which he is often publicly vilified.
Collins has faced no criminal charges due to the expiration of the statute of limitations on the alleged offenses. Despite the public knowledge of his actions, the repercussions have been harsh; his career in the entertainment industry has come to a standstill, with reruns of 7th Heaven being pulled from networks and roles disappearing from his future.
Jeremy London, a co-star from 7th Heaven, expressed a profound sense of betrayal upon hearing Collins' confession for the first time. “I don’t know what happened. You’re messing with somebody that I love and care about, and to see anybody messing with him, it still makes my blood boil,” London commented. His sentiments reflect the confusion and anger shared among fans and colleagues alike. While the documentary highlighted that many cast members chose not to participate in discussions about Collins, those who did have strong reactions to his admission of guilt.
April Price shared that Collins’ sit-down interview with Couric prompted her to come forward. “It made me feel fury, like a volcano,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of her voice in revealing such troubling behavior. “Sometimes the biggest monsters have the prettiest faces. You can’t just trust people that are nice to you and kind and charismatic.” These thoughts resonate with many individuals who have faced similar predicaments in silence.
In 2014, Collins expressed in a statement to the media, “I have been working to atone for it ever since. I want people to know the truth,” indicating his desire to address the past. However, the documentary implies that the work Collins has done may not be as substantial in addressing the trauma caused to his victims.
The docuseries not only recounts the painful narratives of those who suffered at Collins' hands but also reveals the inconsistent reactions within the entertainment industry regarding his behavior. Garth Ancier, the WB's former chairman, noted in the documentary that no 7th Heaven co-stars ever brought allegations against Collins during production, aligning with his experiences with Collins over the years. “The press has gotten Jessica Biel's age wrong in their recent stories about her,” Collins had once controversially stated regarding Biel’s photo shoot as he attempted to navigate scandal outside of his personal troubles. This context is crucial as it includes not just his artistic output but references how the media shaped narratives, complicating his culpability.
Now, Collins lives a quiet life in Fairfield, Iowa, where he reportedly married Jenny Nagel, described as a superfan who is also 40 years younger than him. They reportedly bonded over shared interests in transcendental meditation, as their relationship emerges as a beacon amid the storm of Collins' past. However, the age difference and the history surrounding him raise concerns, with Dr. Drew remarking cautiously, “Let’s hope he can commit to this woman and not perpetrate on others.”
As the docuseries continues to air weekly, the conversations surrounding Collins’ past continue to spark debates on accountability in Hollywood. Price’s story is a reminder of the real-life consequences of celebrity culture and the importance of listening to victims’ narratives. “I’m hoping that my voice will lend strength to other people,” Price asserts, wishing to empower others to speak out against similar experiences.
Collins' life serves as a stark reminder of the complexities intertwined with fame, legacy, and accountability, compelling the entertainment industry to confront difficult truths in its history. As Hollywood Demons reveals more episodes in the coming weeks, audiences can expect further explorations into other figures and incidents that highlight the darker nuances that often remain hidden behind the veneer of stardom.
