Paige DeSorbo Honored With Variety Courage Award for Sharing Her Domestic Violence Story

Paige DeSorbo was honored with the Variety Courage Award, presented by Purina, in recognition of her use of her platform to advocate for survivors of domestic violence. Following an introduction from Molly Sims, the former "Summer House" star delivered an emotional acceptance speech reflecting on her personal experience with domestic violence and her decision to eventually share her story publicly. In 2024, DeSorbo first opened up about her experience during an episode of her podcast, "Giggly Squad," a moment that resonated deeply with young female listeners and encouraged others in difficult or abusive situations to seek a path forward. A Story Told to Help Others In her introduction, Sims explained that DeSorbo shared her story not to draw attention to herself, but to shine a light on an issue many women quietly experience in silence. Sims said DeSorbo wasn't seeking to be seen as brave — she simply wanted another woman to know she had nothing to be ashamed of, adding that even a gesture that feels small can carry real power in making someone feel less alone. DeSorbo opened her acceptance speech by reflecting on the moment she first shared her story publicly, explaining that at a young age, it's often difficult to fully understand or articulate what's happening in an abusive situation — you simply sense something is wrong, even as it becomes your normal. She pushed back on the assumption that abuse only looks a certain way or happens to a certain type of person, emphasizing that it can affect anyone, regardless of how confident or put-together they may appear. Finding Comfort in Her Cat DeSorbo credited part of her healing process to her cat, Daphne, whom she adopted in 2024. She said Daphne's unconditional love helped her feel safe and cared for during a period when she often felt the opposite — a connection closely tied to Purina's Purple Leash Project, a nonprofit initiative focused on creating pet-friendly shelters for domestic abuse survivors. DeSorbo said the Purple Leash Project resonates deeply with her, noting that leaving an abusive situation is already an incredibly difficult decision, and that no survivor should have to choose between their own safety and a pet that has helped them feel loved and less alone. She said she couldn't imagine ever leaving Daphne behind, and asked the audience to help ensure survivors never have to face that impossible choice. A Broader Reflection on Domestic Violence DeSorbo shared that she experienced domestic violence at 19 and never imagined it could happen to her. Now 33, she said she's come to understand just how widespread the issue truly is, citing that more than 12 million people experience domestic violence each year, including one in three women and one in four men. She noted that stigma often prevents survivors from speaking openly about their experiences. Sharing her own story, she said, didn't initially feel like an act of courage. She reflected on what courage actually means, saying it isn't necessarily about being fearless — sometimes it's about being afraid or uncertain of what comes next and choosing honesty anyway, or deciding that something carried alone for years might be worth sharing if it could help someone else feel less alone. She closed her speech by saying that sharing her story on "Giggly Squad" hadn't felt like a major act of courage at the time, but that she's grateful to receive the award and proud she finally spoke up — adding that if even one person realizes their experience wasn't their fault and that there's a path forward, it was worth sharing. About DeSorbo's Career DeSorbo launched "Giggly Squad" with friend and former "Summer House" co-star Hannah Berner during the 2020 pandemic. The pair took the podcast on tour last year, selling out two nights at Radio City Music Hall, and co-wrote The New York Times bestseller "How to Giggle: A Guide to Taking Life Less Seriously." They recently signed a $150 million podcast deal with SiriusXM and are developing a Netflix comedy centered on 30-somethings living in New York, executive produced by Amy Poehler. Beyond "Giggly Squad," DeSorbo launched her own loungewear line, named Daphne after her cat. She has also hosted red carpets for Vanity Fair's Oscar party and the Actor Awards, appeared in a Super Bowl commercial for Kinder Bueno, and starred in Mindy Kaling's "Not Suitable for Work."