Former Big Brother contestant testifies about childhood sexual abuse by New Orleans priest that they kept secret their entire life

Renny Martyn, 71, testified at a federal hearing regarding the Archdiocese of New Orleans, which has been under bankruptcy protection since 2020 due to claims from abuse survivors. She waited hours before recounting that she was molested at age six by a priest at St. Mary Magdalen Elementary School in Metairie, Louisiana.

Martyn was one of around 20 claimants to speak during a trial evaluating the fairness of a proposed $230 million settlement for hundreds of clergy abuse survivors in the bankruptcy case.

I have been scarred emotionally, physically, and psychologically for my entire life, Martyn stated, referring to the late priest Hubert Broussard. I will never know what it is like to live completely unscarred by the injustice of this horrific act.

Her testimony highlighted that many of the more than 300 clergy accused in the bankruptcy filings are not officially recognized by the church as credibly accused. Broussard, for instance, was not on the Archdioceses 2018 list of roughly 80 credibly accused priests.

Martyn, legally named Lorenza, competed on the 10th season of Big Brother in 2008. She testified that the abuse occurred while she was in first grade, when the priest lured her under the pretext of an eye exam. After the assault, she was sent back to class and reprimanded for taking too long in the bathroom.

She came forward after realizing many others in her community had experienced similar abuse. Despite keeping her trauma private for years, Martyn emphasized that she would not allow the abuse to define her life.

During her time on Big Brother, Martyn was noted as the oldest female contestant, reaching the top five. Viewers remembered her for wearing Auburn University apparel, honoring her sons football connection, and for her long career as a New Orleans hair salon owner. In the late 1970s, she performed with the Saintsations, the New Orleans Saints dance team, and more recently worked as a realtor.

Martyn did not name her abuser in court, but her legal team identified him as Broussard, who served in World War II before becoming a priest in 1952. Broussard had various assignments at St. Mary Magdalen and other locations.

Martyn also praised other survivors testifying. Judge Meredith Grabill acknowledged her courage, noting how long she had waited to speak.

Among those present was New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond. After the hearing, Martyn told reporters she felt liberated finally sharing her story. Ive held this in my whole life. And now, I feel so good, she said.

The Archdioceses proposed bankruptcy settlement has received support from survivors and others owed by the church, with approval expected following the fairness trial.

Support resources for survivors are available internationally. In the U.S., Childhelp can be reached at 800-422-4453, and for adults, ascasupport.org provides assistance. In the U.K., NSPCC and Napac offer support, while in Australia, Kids Helpline, Bravehearts, and the Blue Knot Foundation provide help for children and adults affected by abuse.

Author: Sophia Brooks