Stephen Collins who played pastor in TV series admitted to molesting young girls in audio tape

Los Angeles (AFP) - Los Angeles police are reviewing a 2012 probe into US actor Stephen Collins after the surfacing of an audio tape in which he allegedly admitted to molesting at least three young girls.

Collins, known for playing a wholesome pastor in TV series 7th Heaven, has been fired from a sequel to satirical movie Ted following the revelation by celebrity news website TMZ, media reports said.

In the audio tape obtained by TMZ, the 67-year-old actor appears to admit during a 2012 therapy session to inappropriate behavior with at least three under-age girls.

A police spokesman said officers were reviewing an investigation into a criminal complaint filed at the time to make sure nothing was missed. She said the case has not been reopened.

TV station UPTV decided to cancel reruns of 7th Heaven following publication of the audio tape, according to industry magazinel Variety, adding that Collins had been fired from Ted 2.

TMZ also reported that Collins resigned Tuesday from the national board of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), before the end of his three-year term.

Representatives for Collins did not respond to requests for comment.

7th Heaven, which originally ran from 1996-2007, followed the Camden family as the minister father and stay-at-home mother cope with their seven children, ranging from toddlers to adults with families of their own.

Collins was nominated for a Primetime Emmy in 1987 for The Two Mrs Grenvilles. His other credits include parts in 1976's All the President's Men and 2006's Blood Diamond.

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