The young actor who received a $380,000 payment after his lawyer filed a notice of intent to sue with is speaking out for the first time since it was revealed that he had allegedly been sexually assaulted by actress Asia Argento.

'Many brave women and men have spoken out about their own experiences during the #metoo movement, and I appreciate the bravery that it took for each and every one of them to take such a stand,' said Bennett.

'I did not initially speak out about my story because I chose to handle it in private with the person who wronged me. My trauma resurfaced as she came out as a victim herself.'

He continued: 'I have not made a public statement in the past days and hours because I was ashamed and afraid to be part of the public narrative.'

Meanwhile, Bennett's lawyer Gordon Sattro told DailyMail.com that the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department has been in contact to discuss the incident.

Coming forward: Jimmy Bennett has released a statement to The New York Times about why he chose to keep quiet for years about his alleged sexual assault (Bennett and Asia Argento in May 2013 on the day of the alleged assault)

Back in the day: 'I have not made a public statement in the past days and hours because I was ashamed and afraid to be part of the public narrative,' said Bennett (Bennett in 2003 with Winona Ryder and Argento on the set of The Heart is Deceitful Above All Things)

On the line: Bennett's lawyer told DailyMail.com on Wednesday that the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department has been in contact to speak about the incident with his client (Bennett above on Monday)

'I was underage when the event took place, and I tried to seek justice in a way that made sense to me at the time because I was not ready to deal with the ramifications of my story becoming public,' explained Bennett.

'At the time I believed there was still a stigma to being in the situation as a male in our society.

'I didn’t think that people would understand the event that took place from the eyes of a teenage boy. I have had to overcome many adversities in my life, and this is another that I will deal with, in time.'

He then added: 'I would like to move past this event in my life, and today I choose to move forward, no longer in silence.'

Bennett first shared his statement with The New York Times, who broke the news of Argento's payment on Sunday.

The actress responded to the Times story by releasing a statement on Tuesday denying the claims made by Jimmy Bennett.

'I strongly deny and oppose the contents of the New York Times article,' stated Argento.

'I am deeply shocked and hurt by having read news that is absolutely false. I have never had any sexual relationship with Bennett.'

She went on to state that Bennett went after her because of her relationship with Anthony Bourdain, a 'man of great perceived wealth' who 'had his own reputation as a beloved public figure to protect.'

Argento also claimed that it was Bourdain, who took his own life back in June, that urged her to settle in exchange for Bennett's silence.

Bourdain also paid the settlement despite the fact that it represented almost half of his cash and savings at the time, with court papers submitted after the chef's death revealing $425,000 of his $1.2 million estate was in cash.

Speaking out: 'I did not initially speak out about my story because I chose to handle it in private with the person who wronged me. My trauma resurfaced as she came out as a victim herself'

Helping hand: It was revealed on Tuesday that Argento's boyfriend Anthony Bourdain paid the $380,000 to settle the notice brought against his girlfriend by Bennett (pair above earlier this year just weeks before Bourdain took his life)

These claims were questioned however when on Wednesday TMZ published what they reported to be a post-coital image of Argento and Bennett and texts they claim the actress sent to a friend.

'It wasn't raped but I was frozen. He was on top of me. After, he told me I had been his sexual fantasy since was 12,' Argento allegedly wrote in one text.

One day later, Argento denied ever having sex with Bennett in a statement while suggesting the young man extorted her and late boyfriend Bourdain, who paid out the settlement.

TMZ also published an image reported to be a post-coital photo of the two taken in May 2013.

Argento has now pulled out of an appearance at Le Guess Who music festival in the Netherlands this weekend.

'Due to the volatile nature of the accusations surrounding Ms. Argento, she has chosen to withdraw from her curatorship of this year's edition, while these issues remain open,' said festival organizers in a statement obtained by DailyMail.com.

'Le Guess Who? supports her decision, as we consider it our responsibility to represent, to the best of our ability, the interests and integrity of all artists involved with our organization, and we strive to do this with sensitivity and respect.'

The statement went on to state: 'Le Guess Who? still supports all curated artists and their artistic output, and intends to keep all these artists involved within the general program for the 2018 edition.'

Her position on The X Factor Italy could be in jeopardy as well if Bennett's claims are confirmed.

'We want to be very clear: if the allegations reported by the New York Times today were to be confirmed, the issue would be absolutely inconsistent with Sky’s ethical principles and values and therefore—in full agreement with FremantleMedia—we would have no choice but to take note of it and put an end to the collaboration with Asia Argento,' stated Sky Italia on Monday.

Argento has yet to comment since releasing her statement on Tuesday.