Debby Ryan, star of Disney's 'Jessie,' says she was in an abusive relationship

Debby Ryan, the star of the Disney Channel’s Jessie, said in an interview this week that she was in an abusive relationship.

Since her show is ending, the 21-year-old decided to turn her attention to campaigning to stop dating violence. She’s teamed up with Mary Kay and Love Is Respect for a new “Don’t Look Away” campaign. While promoting her efforts in an interview with Teen Vogue, Ryan revealed that this is a very personal crusade for her.

Ryan, who is now in a relationship with Twenty One Pilots drummer Josh Dun, didn’t say who her abuser was, but went into details about what the man did to her.

“The time I decided to get out wasn't too late, but it was really, really late in the game. I'm very fortunate because I had people help me get this person out of my life, out of my house—like physically lock the door. I mean, he showed up across the country at a meet-and-greet of mine and said he needed to talk to me,” Ryan told Teen Vogue.

Ryan said that she hadn’t talked to the man in a month and wanted him to leave her life. He responded by breaking his phone and acted out violently.

“Then he started bawling and said he's sorry and loves me. And then grab[bed] me by the wrist and pull[ed] me in a bathroom and lock[ed] the door,” she said.

Ryan said that an experience like that “can make you feel weak,” adding, “To be able to know that you're worth more than that and fight for yourself is a really difficult thing.”

“The second someone puts their hand on you, a boundary has been crossed,” Ryan explained. “If anyone is feeling manipulated or abused, that's the best it's going to get and you have to fight for yourself now.”

Ryan discussed her experience just a few weeks after Disney announced that Jessie would be ending after four seasons. However, Variety reports that Peyton List, Skai Jackson and Karan Brar will star in a spin-off series.

image courtesy of INFphoto.com