Beverley Mitchell, David Gallagher, and Mackenzie Rosman, known for their roles as Lucy, Simon, and Ruthie on the beloved television series “7th Heaven,” recently addressed the serious allegations surrounding their former co-star Stephen Collins during a new episode of their rewatch podcast, “Catching Up With the Camdens.” This episode, aired on September 23, not only marks the beginning of their rewatch journey through the iconic series but also serves as an important platform to discuss the sensitive issue of abuse.

“7th Heaven,” which aired from 1996 to 2007 on The WB and later The CW, captured the hearts of audiences over its 11-season run. The show featured a strong ensemble cast, including Jessica Biel, Barry Watson, and Catherine Hicks, and focused on the Camden family navigating life’s ups and downs. However, the legacy of the show has been overshadowed by the actions of Collins, who portrayed the patriarch, Reverend Eric Camden.

At the start of the podcast episode, the trio made a heartfelt statement acknowledging the excitement surrounding the rewatch while emphasizing the need to address Collins’ past behavior. Mitchell stated, “We want you to know that we see all of your comments and we know how excited you all are for the rewatch, but before we get into that we do think it’s important that we say something about Stephen Collins.” Gallagher reinforced this sentiment, declaring, “All forms of abuse, sexual abuse of any kind, it’s inexcusable. And victims of abuse need to be shown compassion and they should be given support.”

Rosman added, “As we rewatch these episodes, it would be impossible not to talk about Stephen because he was such a big part of the show and our lives, but we want to be clear that we did not have any inappropriate experiences with Stephen.” This statement is particularly significant given the gravity of the allegations against Collins, who in 2014 admitted to inappropriate sexual conduct with three female minors in incidents dating back to the 1970s and 1990s.

Following the revelations of Collins’ misconduct, the fallout was swift. The actor was removed from various acting roles, and reruns of “7th Heaven” were pulled from airing. Additionally, Collins resigned from his position on the SAG-AFTRA board, reflecting the serious repercussions of his actions.

As the podcast continues, it will feature many of the show’s former stars, although Collins will not be among them. Mitchell clarified, “We do not excuse or condone his behavior. Our hope for this podcast is to reconnect with you, our fans, to relive some 90s nostalgia and to share our fondest memories of ‘7th Heaven.'” This commitment to honoring the positive aspects of their shared experiences while also confronting the darker elements of their past is a delicate balancing act.

Gallagher concluded their statement by acknowledging the potential emotional impact of discussing these issues, saying, “We know this is difficult and we understand that it can be triggering but we want to say that we love you guys and we are so grateful for all the love and support that you, our community, have shown us over the years.” This recognition of the audience’s feelings reflects a broader understanding of the complexities surrounding discussions of abuse, especially in the context of nostalgic media.

The podcast aims to create a space where fans can engage with the show’s legacy while also addressing the serious implications of Collins’ actions. By openly discussing these topics, Mitchell, Gallagher, and Rosman hope to foster a supportive environment for listeners who may have their own experiences with abuse or trauma.

As the rewatch progresses, it will be interesting to see how the cast navigates the interplay between their fond memories of the show and the painful realities associated with their former co-star. “7th Heaven” remains a significant part of many viewers’ lives, and this podcast offers a unique opportunity to revisit the series through a contemporary lens, one that acknowledges both its charm and its challenges.

Listeners can expect a mix of nostalgia and candid discussions as the cast delves into their experiences on the show, highlighting both the moments that made them laugh and the lessons they’ve learned since then. The podcast promises to be an emotional journey, reflecting the complexities of growing up in the public eye and the responsibility that comes with it.

In a media landscape increasingly focused on accountability and awareness, the approach taken by Mitchell, Gallagher, and Rosman serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing difficult subjects, especially in contexts that have shaped many lives. As they embark on this rewatch journey, fans will undoubtedly join them in reflecting on the impact of their shared history while also grappling with the realities of the present.