This is certainly a scandal that Marvel doesn’t need. Actress Zara Phythian who appeared in the 2016 Doctor Strange film is now being accused of having sex with a minor along with her husband, Victor Marke.
Zara Phythian’s Accuser Was 13-Years-Old At The Time
Phythian is a martial artist and actress who played a sorcerer in the Marvel film she has also done stunt work for other films. However, her main source of income seems to be her martial arts studio where the accuser claims she met Phythian.
“I knew it was wrong but I just didn’t know how to get out of the situation or say anything,” shared the accuser with the Nottinghamshire Post.
The woman is now an adult but shared that the abuse started when she was 13 and carried on between 2005 to 2008.
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Zara Phythian Was A Mentor To The Accuser
The accuser went on to share that she was looking for a sense of belonging when she became involved with the actress, 36. “I remember trying to copy Zara’s reaction at the time because I looked up to her and tried to be like her in every way.”
The victim claims that Phythian tried to ease the situation by asking her to play a game of “dare” and proceeded to dare her to give her husband oral sex alongside her.
The accuser went on to share that she felt she was “groomed” by Phythian and her husband Marke.
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Zara & Mark Are denying The Allegations
The couple has shared that they are shocked by the allegations. Yet, the accused has noted that she has known them for quite some time and can pinpoint when the sexual activity started; when she turned 16.
When she brought the allegations to the court, she was grilled as to why she never came forward before, when it actually took place, a question so many victims, alleged or not, shouldn’t have to answer.
She stated that she was recently triggered into sharing her story. Citing safeguarding issues at work, “matters which were very tough to deal with and, me personally, was taking a toll on”.
She went on to claim she could no longer cope with “not saying anything anymore.”
Zara Phythian & Victor Marke Face Separate Charges
The couple is accused together but they have a separate set of charges. Phythian is facing 14 charges that involve another victim who claims that she too was in a mentee role when she was groomed by the actress and repeatedly told not to say anything to anyone about their encounters.
As for her husband, Marke has 4 allegations against him and the child claims that she felt she was being coached and encouraged by the husband and wife to improve her skills to better please them.
She estimated that there were at least 20 unwanted sexual encounters with Marke while Phythian continued to coach and encourage the minor.
A trial is currently underway for the couple where Phythian’s lawyer is heavily relying on the defense that his client is an actress whose fame is rising and these allegations come at a rather convenient time.
