Influencer and business owner Katie Knowles, 35, has bravely revealed she was repeatedly raped by her father over several years.

Years of Silence Broken

Knowles, wife of TV presenter Nick, shared her story in a video posted on Instagram, shocking her friends and followers. She had previously only hinted at a ‘very difficult’ relationship with her father, who died in 2008 when she was 18.

Investigation into Her Father's Past

The decision to go public came after weeks of research into her father’s life. Knowles examined old photographs and contacted alumni from Salesian College in Oxford, the boarding school he attended.

A Harsh Boarding School Environment

Her investigation revealed a childhood marked by hardship and potential trauma. Former students described Salesian College as a harsh environment where physical abuse was common, including beatings with canes and hands.

Racial Discrimination and Trauma

David Eugene Dadzie, Knowles’ father, born in London in 1949, faced racial discrimination as a mixed-race child in 1950s Britain. Knowles discovered an old newspaper clipping referring to him as a “coloured child,” expressing shock at the language used.

Her father himself described his boarding school experience as “horrible,” detailing instances of abuse and racial slurs.

Seeking Understanding, Not Excuse

Knowles emphasized that understanding her father’s past does not excuse his actions. However, she hopes it provides insight into the environment that may have contributed to his behavior.

This disclosure is a significant step for Knowles, a mother of two, and highlights the lasting impact of childhood trauma and the importance of speaking out against abuse.