Mickey Rooney Testifies Before Congress on Elder Abuse, Urges Others to Speak Out

  • Share
  • Read Later
Actor Mickey Rooney speaks at a Senate hearing on elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation on Capitol Hill in Washington, March 2, 2011.

REUTERS/Jim Young

Veteran actor Mickey Rooney told congress that he’s been a victim of elder abuse, making him feel trapped, confused and abused.

The 90-year-old actor testified before the Senate Committee on Aging on Wednesday that he has been the victim of emotional and financial abuse by his own family. He noted that he is not a rare case, emphasizing that many seniors are taken advantage of due to their vulnerable positions.

(More on TIME.com: See TIME’s Mickey Rooney cover)

“My money was taken and misused,” Rooney testified. “When I asked for information, I was told that I couldn’t have any of my own information. I was literally left powerless.”

Although theĀ  did not name the family member in question, he was granted a court restraining order in February against his stepson Chris Aber. He will face him in court April 5 for charges of withholding food and medicine and meddling in Rooney’s personal fiances.

Watch Rooney’s emotional testimony above.