Warning: This article contains content that may disturb some readers.
An ex-girlfriend of Armie Hammer has come forward to claim she required therapy for PTSD after dating the actor, who she says frequently talked about breaking and eating her ribs.
Hammer has been embroiled in a sex scandal since private messages allegedly sent by him to a variety of women leaked online, in which he seemingly admits to being a cannibal, having 'slaves' and discusses gory sex acts and bodily mutilation in graphic detail.
The messages are as yet unverified and the Call Me By Your Name actor has dismissed the screenshots as "bullshit"; however, women who have had romantic links to Hammer continue to speak out in a bid to prove the authenticity of the claims.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Courtney Vucekovich said she was traumatised by her "warped" relationship with Hammer, who she called a "very dark, twisted person".
"He was really into saying he wants to break one of your ribs and eat it. Like barbecue it and eat it," she said.
Vucekovich said that Hammer's charm and magnetism helped him "get away" with his behaviour.
"He's very affectionate, he makes you feel very safe and kind of on top of the world. Then little by little, it gets deeper and darker," she said.
"In terms of the BDSM stuff, he made that pretty clear that it is something he is interested in very early on in the relationship and he referenced breaking my ribs often," Vucekovich said.
"I was being groomed and brilliantly manipulated to do things that frankly scared me. I'm a consenting adult but it wasn't me. He is good at what he does and knows just what to say to get you to comply.
"There were many times when it didn't feel right, I knew in my gut that it wasn't what I wanted, or liked and felt comfortable with, and I was persuaded to do it anyway."
Vucekovich said none of her online conversations with Hammer were included in the screenshots that were anonymously posted on social media, however her claims are in line with one message to an unknown woman in which Hammer seemingly writes: "I'm thinking of breaking your ribs."
Hammer has stepped down from his role in the upcoming movie Shotgun Wedding, saying he was forced to do so as a result of the "vicious and spurious online attacks" against him, which meant he could no longer leave his children to film for four months in the Dominican Republic.
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
