Teen Claims He Suffered Sexual Abuse by Teacher

Grant Strickland, now 18 years old, is bravely stepping forward to share his story of what he describes as years of sexual abuse at the hands of a former teacher. Strickland was just 14 when he says the abuse began, during what was supposed to be a promising start to his acting journey.

In 2021, Strickland auditioned for a local production of Legally Blonde: The Musical in Anderson, South Carolina. He was cast in the lead role — a big opportunity for a ninth-grade student. But what should have been a turning point in his young career soon turned into a nightmare. The director of the play was Nicole Ballew Callaham, a then-33-year-old kindergarten teacher and a married mother. Investigators say that’s when the “grooming” began.

Authorities allege Callaham initiated an illegal and inappropriate relationship with Strickland, one that continued for at least two years. According to the sheriff’s department, she signed the boy out of school, transported him to rehearsals, and regularly supervised after-school activities — all under the guise of mentorship and community involvement. But behind closed doors, investigators claim it became a calculated pattern of abuse.

Callaham has now been arrested and charged with multiple felonies: three counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She turned herself in to the Anderson County Detention Center and received a $40,000 bond. But her legal troubles are far from over — similar charges are pending in nearby Greenville County, where authorities say the abuse continued while Strickland was enrolled in school.

During her bond hearing, Strickland appeared in court and made the courageous decision to speak publicly. “All I really want the public to know is that that was a traumatic event. I’m here to fight, and I’m not going to back down,” he said, emphasizing the need for awareness and justice.

Strickland explained that he came forward after years of dealing with the trauma — a process that nearly cost him his life. “I almost didn’t survive this,” he said, revealing that the emotional toll of the abuse pushed him close to suicide. “I would never want somebody to go through what I went through,” he added.

He also spoke out against the stigma that often silences male victims. “Just because I’m a man doesn’t mean that it should be shunned away. Because I was a child,” Strickland stated. “This happens, and it happens a lot — not just to women, but to men too. It happens to children. And it’s gotta stop.”

Despite the serious charges and emotional testimony, Callaham’s defense team is arguing that she is a respected member of her community and is receiving support from her family. However, law enforcement has pointed to digital evidence, search warrants, and consistent statements from Strickland and his family as proof that the abuse did, in fact, occur over an extended period.

This case has sparked a broader conversation about male victims of sexual abuse and how society often overlooks them. Strickland’s decision to come forward publicly at 18, using his full name, is being hailed by many as an act of extraordinary strength.

As the case unfolds, Strickland says he remains committed to telling his story — not just for justice, but to protect other kids from suffering the same fate.

Stay strong, Grant. You are not alone.