Former Dukes of Hazzard star Tom Wopat’s legal troubles continue to mount.
The actor, who pleaded not guilty last month to grabbing the buttocks of a woman during a local production of 42nd Street, is now being accused of poking a 16-year-old girl co-star in her stomach with his finger on the set of the same play, it was reported on Monday.
Wopat was arrested in Massachusetts on August 2 by police and charged with indecent assault after he allegedly put his finger between a woman’s butt cheeks.
Two weeks later, police interviewed the second alleged victim, who says he did the same to her, TMZ reported.
Actor Tom Wopat’s (pictured in court last month in Massachusetts) legal troubles continue to mount. The actor, who pleaded not guilty last month to grabbing the buttocks of a woman, is now being accused of poking a 16-year-old girl co-star in her stomach with his finger
Authorities also charged Wopat with possession of cocaine.
The 65-year-old actor, who played Luke Duke in the television series, has denied the allegations.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Wopat told the young co-star: ‘I’m a creepy old man, you’re really talented and really cute.’
The teenager told police that she ignored his advances, which made her uncomfortable.
Shortly after the comment, she alleges that he took a copy of the script and whacked her in the butt.
Wopat then allegedly took his finger and touched her midriff, which was exposed because she was wearing a cropped top.
The actor was told by an adult on-set: ‘Don’t flirt with this girl, she’s only 16.’
The girl claims that Wopat replied to him: ‘Don’t worry because my wife is 17 years younger than me so I’m good.’
Wopat pleaded not guilty last month to forcibly sticking his finger up the buttocks of a female on the set of his play. The actor’s rep said Wopat is seeking help for substance abuse, though he has denied the allegations of assault
Authorities are now charging him with an additional count of indecent assault and battery.
Wopat will also be charged with accosting and annoying a person of the opposite sex.
After his arrest last month, the actor said he would take time to address his ongoing struggle with substance abuse.
A statement issued by his rep on read: ‘Mr. Wopat will be taking personal time to address his ongoing struggle with substance abuse.’
‘Tom definitely understands that sobriety is the sole course for a successful future and will take immediate steps to achieve it.’
The actor apologized to all those affected by the incident but still ‘firmly denies’ the allegations of inappropriate touching.
‘Mr. Wopat urges everyone to keep in mind that these are allegations; he’s alleged to have improperly touched an adult female performer during rehearsal in the presence of the entire cast and directing staff,’ his rep. said.
‘Tom has faith that the truth will be revealed and his good name will be restored.’
The statement also hinted at ‘death and illness in the family’ combined with the ‘intensity of his recent schedule’ contributed to the misstep.
The 65-year-old Tony Award-nominated actor played Luke Duke on the 1980s television show The Dukes of Hazzard.
The 65-year-old Tony Award-nominated actor played Luke Duke on the 1980s television show The Dukes of Hazzard
Wopat was supposed to play Julian Marsh in 42nd Street at the Waltham-based Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston but has been replaced since he was alleged to have inappropriately touched the woman July 23.
According to the police report, on July 23 during rehearsals, Wopat walked behind a woman on set.
She claims she felt his hand grab her butt and felt his fingers go between her butt cheeks.
Wopat was released on $1,000 bail and was told to stay away from the woman.
Police said they searched him and his vehicle and found two bags of white powder believed to be cocaine.
He told police he buys cocaine ‘in large quantities and uses it over time,’ the court documents said.