Stephen Collins Admits He's a "Flawed Person" After Confessing to Sexually Abusing Underage Girls

7th Heaven star opens up to Katie Couric about the scandal he never wanted to share publicly

By Mike Vulpo Dec 18, 2014 4:08 AMTags

Stephen Collins is more than willing to admit one thing: He's far from a perfect man.

"I'm a human being with flaws," the 7th Heaven star reveals to Katie Couric in his first television interview since his sex scandal unfolded. "I've done everything I can to address them."

It's the actor's latest confession after releasing a thousand-word statement to People magazine Wednesday morning acknowledging that he did in fact have inappropriate sexual conduct with underage girls.

After telling the magazine his behavior was "inexcusable," he wants fans to know that he never wanted to have his actions exposed to the whole world.

Michael Loccisano/FilmMagic

"This came out. I didn't choose this to come out," he explained in a sneak peek of ABC News' 20/20. I didn't want to have to deal with these things publicly."

He added, "I had dealt with them very, very strongly, and committedly, in my private life."

The actor allegedly admitted to having inappropriate sexual conduct with underage girls in an audiotape released by TMZ in October. No criminal charges have been brought against Collins and the alleged victims have not come forward.

While his past and present behavior has been put under the microscope, Collins credits his strong Christian faith in helping him overcome the dark days. 

"One of the main things about the Christian faith, is you know, Christ said in so many ways, ‘bring me that…which about you is broken, bring it,' and most people are broken in some way," he shared with Couric.

Collins continues to be in therapy and assures fans that he hasn't done anything inappropriate in nearly 20 years.

"I deeply regret the mistakes I've made and any pain I have caused these three women," he told People. "I admit to, apologize for and take responsibility for what I did."

Hear more from Collins when his full interview with Couric airs Friday night at 10 p.m. on ABC.