My mother was sexually abused as a child: Jane Fonda

Los Angeles: Actress-activist Jane Fonda has opened up about her mother's sexual abuse, saying she discovered about the shocking story when she was writing her memoirs.

Speaking to an audience of activists and philanthropists at Rape Foundation's annual fund-raising brunch, the 76-year-old actress said that her mother was sexually abused as a child before committing suicide at the age of 42, reportedly.

When reviewing her mother's medical records, Jane found out that her mother, Frances Ford Seymour, was sexually abused when she was eight. Frances committed suicide at the age of 42 when Jane was 12.

"The minute that I read that, everything fell into place. I knew why the promiscuity, the endless plastic surgery, the guilt, the inability to love or be intimate, and I was able to forgive her and forgive myself," Jane said.

The award-winning actress claimed sexual abuse was "epidemic." She then promised, "I will support the Rape Treatment Centre for the rest of my life."

The event, which was held at billionaire Ron Burkle's Greenacres estate in Beverly Hills, was also attended by Lily Tomlin, David Schwimmer, Eric McCormack, Viola Davis, Emmy Rossum and Sam Waterston