Heller reiterated her claims in a subsequent interview with Newsweek. While some of Martinez’s fans have asked why she would apparently continue to be friends with someone who had attacked her, in the interview, Heller addresses the complexities of assault by a friend or family member.

“People don’t really talk about this,” Heller said. “But I know now that assault happens this way all the time. I loved her even after it happened, and I had this sick need to protect her, which I’ve learned is very common for victims of assault, especially those hurt by their family or friends.”

She added: “We remained friends for a while, but it was strange, obviously. I think I was invalidating my own experience for so long because she’s not a man. Plus, she was my friend, and I sat with what happened in silence because I didn’t want to be malicious.”

Last month, Heller tweeted her reservations over sharing her story, writing: “What if I have my own story of abuse but I’m scared to ruin the person’s life and I still love them in a fucked up way and the public really really loves them and most probably wouldn’t believe me…”

The Voice star denies sexually assaulting female friend