Ben Vereen Blasted For Sexually Molesting Young Actresses

Ben Vereen is the latest showbiz legend accused of groping young actresses — with the Tony-winning "Roots" star blasted for harassing women in a Florida production of the musical "Hair!"

Local actresses approached Broadway blogger Chris Peterson at Onstage.com about Ben's behavior as guest artist at a Tampa, Fla., community theater in 2015. Local actress Kaitlyn Terpstra, 22 years old at the time, alleged to the New York Daily News how Ben used "private rehearsals" to lure them to his private residence and hot tub. “He was acting as my mentor, asking me about my parents,” said Kaitlyn. “Then, that same night, he put me on his lap while I was crying, and I felt his erection.”

“He asked me, ‘Feel that?’” continued Kaitlyn. “It was terrifying. I said, 'Feel what?' I wanted to act like I didn't. I pushed myself off with a laugh. Then later, he asked, ‘Do you think I want to f--k you?’ I said ‘Yes,’ and he got angry. He said, ‘Well, I don't, and that's unfortunate.' He made me feel like I had my mind in the gutter.”

Another actress — asking to be identified only as "Kim" — said she ended up in bed with Ben during the course of the production. “He mentioned all of us getting our Equity cards,” she said. “He said if we went on tour, we would all get our cards. There were lots of those kinds of promises. He was painting glorious pictures.”

Ben released a statement to the News saying: : “I would like to apologize directly to the female cast members of the musical ‘Hair’ for my inappropriate conduct when I directed the production in 2015.” But the Broadway star was more forgiving of creepy comic Bill Cosby, who he defended on the red carpet in 2014!

“I love the man,” said Vereen when asked about the multiple claims of rape made against Cosby. “I support you, Bill. We’re praying for you. Aren’t there more important things to talk about in this world?”