LENA DUNHAM DEFENDS `GIRLS` WRITER ACCUSED OF RAPE,SAYS `WE STAND BY MURRAY`

© Lena Dunham

"Girls" creator and star Lena Dunham is speaking out in defence of Murray Miller, a former producer and star on her HBO comedy, who stands accused of raping underage actress Aurora Perrineau.

"While our first instinct is to listen to every woman's story, our insider knowledge of Murray's situation makes us confident that sadly this accusation is one of the 3% of assault cases that are misreported every year," Dunham said through spokesperson. The statement was co-signed by her "Girls" showrunner Jenni Konner.

"It is a true shame to add to that number, as outside of Hollywood women still struggle to be believed. We stand by Murray and this is all we'll be saying about this issue," Dunham continued.

Perrineau, who starred in Jennifer Lawrence's "Passengers" and is the daughter of actor Harold Perrineau, filed a police report with the West Hollywood Sheriff's Station on Friday saying she did not consent to sex with Miller in 2012 when she was 17.

Read the entire statement:

During the windfall of deeply necessary accusations over the last few months in Hollywood, we have been thrilled to see so many women's voices heard and dark experiences in this industry justified. It's a hugely important time of change and, like every feminist in Hollywood and beyond, we celebrate. But during every time of change there are also incidences of the culture, in its enthusiasm and zeal, taking down the wrong targets. We believe, having worked closely with him for more than half a decade, that this is the case with Murray Miller. While our first instinct is to listen to every woman's story, our insider knowledge of Murray's situation makes us confident that sadly this accusation is one of the 3% of assault cases that are misreported every year. It is a true shame to add to that number, as outside of Hollywood women still struggle to be believed. We stand by Murray and this is all we'll be saying about this issue.