Mary Fitzgerald, star of the hit reality show Selling Sunset, is baring her soul in a new memoir that details traumatic experiences from her past. The real estate agent shared details about the book in an interview with Us Weekly.

According to Daily Mail, Fitzgerald reveals she was drugged and raped shortly after moving to Los Angeles. She also opens up about becoming a teenage mother at age 15 and facing judgment in her Indiana hometown. 

Fitzgerald's memoir, "Selling Sunshine: Surviving Teenage Motherhood, Thriving in Luxury Real Estate, and Finally Finding My Voice," will be released on September 24. The 44-year-old hopes that sharing her difficult experiences will inspire others going through similar struggles.

Revealing Traumatic Assault And Its Lasting Impact

In the book, Fitzgerald discloses that she was drugged and sexually assaulted by a man she refers to as "Joe" not long after arriving in Los Angeles. She admits the trauma still affects her today, sometimes causing her to flinch when touched by her husband Romain Bonnet.

"I still am affected by it," Fitzgerald said of the assault. "It's something that will probably never 100 percent go away."

The reality star explained that writing about the incident was challenging, as she had blocked out many details as a coping mechanism. Revisiting those memories and emotions was difficult but ultimately cathartic.

Opening Up About Teen Pregnancy And Judgment

Fitzgerald also writes candidly about becoming pregnant at age 15 and the harsh judgment she faced in her Indiana hometown as a result. She describes feeling ostracized, stating:

Every place I went, I was a baby with a baby, and I was judged. It was really hurtful.

However, she now sees how those experiences helped prepare her for life in the public eye on Selling Sunset. Fitzgerald credits that difficult time with "thickening her skin" and helping her deal with the criticism she receives on the show.

Sharing Struggles To Inspire Hope In Others

A major motivation for Fitzgerald in writing the memoir was to provide hope and encouragement to others facing adversity. She wants readers to know they can overcome even the most challenging circumstances.

"There were so many days where I would just cry and say, 'Why does it have to be this hard?' But I just wouldn't give up," Fitzgerald told Us Weekly. "I wanted to give other people hope."

The real estate agent also opens up about more recent struggles, including fertility issues and a miscarriage she suffered last year. By sharing both past and present difficulties, she aims to show that life's challenges are ongoing but surmountable.

Balancing Honesty With Privacy Concerns

While Fitzgerald strived for honesty in the book, she acknowledges leaving out some impactful experiences to protect loved ones. In particular, she was mindful of not embarrassing or hurting her 27-year-old son Austin.

"There were a couple of things I left out that really impacted me," Fitzgerald explained, noting she didn't want to "hurt or embarrass anybody I love."

This thoughtful approach demonstrates Fitzgerald's efforts to balance candor with consideration for those close to her, especially her son.

Message Of Perseverance And Self-Belief

Ultimately, Fitzgerald hopes readers come away from her memoir with a sense of resilience and faith in themselves. She encourages people to keep pushing forward through hardships.

"Whatever it is that you're going through, you'll get through it, just like everything else in your life. Just keep believing in yourself because I never believed that I would be where I am now either," Fitzgerald said.

The reality star emphasized staying positive and focusing on life's blessings, assuring readers that good things will come if they persevere.

Why This Story Matters

With her unfiltered truth, Mary Fitzgerald Bonnet does not just share her life story; she calls for a societal reflection on the issues of assault, resilience, and mental health. Her experiences underline the importance of community support and understanding in overcoming personal and shared adversities.

In conclusion, Mary Fitzgerald's upcoming memoir promises a raw and inspiring look at her journey from teenage motherhood to reality TV stardom. By sharing painful experiences like sexual assault and social ostracism, she aims to provide hope to others facing adversity. While some details were omitted to protect loved ones, the book offers an honest account of Fitzgerald's struggles and triumphs. Her ultimate message encourages readers to keep moving forward and believe in themselves, no matter what challenges they face.