7th Heaven star: 'I did something terribly wrong'

Stephen Collins and 7th Heaven co-star Jessica Biel in an episode of the long-running US drama. Photo / Spelling Television

Troubled actor Stephen Collins has confessed the molestation claims against him are true.

The former 7th Heaven star hit headlines in October when audio footage, in which he apparently confesses to inappropriately touching young girls, surfaced online.

The recording was made without his knowledge by his estranged wife Faye Grant during a therapy session in 2012.

Collins remained silent on the allegations but has confessed to People magazine in a lengthy essay that he had inappropriate sexual contact with three female minors between 1973 and 1994.

He writes: "Forty years ago, I did something terribly wrong that I deeply regret. I have been working to atone for it ever since. I've decided to address these issues publicly because two months ago, various news organisations published a recording made by my then-wife, Faye Grant, during a confidential marriage therapy session in January, 2012. This session was recorded without the therapist's or my knowledge or consent.

"On the recording, I described events that took place 20, 32, and 40 years ago... The publication of the recording has resulted in assumptions and innuendos about what I did that go far beyond what actually occurred. As difficult as this is, I want people to know the truth."

He adds he has only apologised to one of his victims, writing, "I did have an opportunity to do so with one of the women, 15 years later. I apologised and she was extraordinarily gracious ... But after I learned in the course of my treatment that my being direct about such matters could actually make things worse for them by opening old wounds, I have not approached the other two women, one of whom is now in her 50s and the other in her 30s.

"The full statement will be published in People magazine tomorrow. On the same day, Collins will be interviewed by US news anchor Katie Couric and it will be streamed on Yahoo.

The 67-year-old is currently locked in a divorce battle with Grant.

- WENN