AceShowbiz - Justin Baldoni, known for his roles in "Jane the Virgin" and "It Ends With Us," shared during an episode of Elizabeth Day's "How to Fail" podcast that he experienced sexual trauma caused by an ex-girlfriend while he was in college.

Baldoni reflected on the toxic relationship, which began after he met a "beautiful young woman" at an Abercrombie & Fitch. He acknowledged that he "wrestled with that trauma for the rest of [his] life" due to societal expectations that men cannot be victims of sexual abuse.

"It's also the way that society has kind of made me feel that, you know, it's only the other way around," said Baldoni. "It's as detailed as I'll get into the story, but there are lines that can be crossed and take advantage of somebody and to be manipulated."

Baldoni stated that his therapist helped him recognize his experience as sexual trauma. "She said, 'Justin, you do a lot of work in this space: If a woman told you that story, what would you call it?' And that's when I broke."

The relationship ended with infidelity, leading Baldoni to move to Los Angeles and ultimately pursue acting.

Baldoni also discussed the stress of filming "It Ends With Us," a film about domestic abuse in which he played an abusive character. He shared that he experienced a "near breakdown" after filming a scene that depicted jealousy and anger.

"There's a moment in the movie where Ryle finds Lily's phone... After that scene, I had a near breakdown," said Baldoni. "That was very hard and honestly, that took a few months" to shed the character's mindset.

Baldoni's revelation has sparked praise for his bravery and empathy towards domestic violence survivors. He has previously shared a heartfelt message of support for victims, saying, "You are never alone in this fight. We are with you. You are not just surviving; you are thriving, and in your thriving, you inspire us all."