Mickey Rooney tells Congress about his abuse

>>> hollywood legend mickey rooney appeared before congress on wednesday and revealed the abuse he claims he suffered at the hands of his step-son. it's drawing the attention to the 3.5 million cases of elder abuse in this country every year. kelly o'donnell spoke with rooney exclusively following his testimony. kelly , good morning to you.

>> good morning, matt. you use the word legend. while that can get thrown around a lot, it surely applies to mickey rooney and his more than 80 years making movies . now, he was center stage here and he came to d.c. to try to get help and raise awareness to fight elder abuse . a child superstar in the hay day of hollywood movie -making. a teen idol stealing scenes with greats like judy garland .

>> i want success.

>> and you'll have it. i know you will, mickey.

>> reporter: a veteran of more than 300 films. now playing himself on capitol hill .

>> my name is mickey rooney .

>> reporter: rooney revealed a very personal drama.

>> i've been abused financially, medically. my wife and i have hungered for food at our house. and this -- this has to stop.

>> reporter: last month, a california court granted rooney a protective order against his step-son of 32 years and his wife, christina. what was your experience?

>> it was horrible.

>> reporter: rooney claims that for 20 years, family members have misused his money, forced him to work, and even left him without enough food at home. you were neglected?

>> oh, you can say that with a capital "n.."

>> reporter: rooney testified wednesday.

>> i was told to shut up and be quiet. you don't know what you're talking about. it seemed that no one, no one wanted to believe me.

>> reporter: appearing before a senate committee working to strengthen laws against elder abuse .

>> my daily life became unbearable.

>> reporter: did you feel embarrassed?

>> yes. as a man, our individuality was taken away from us. our personal things. things that meant everything to us were gone.

>> reporter: rooney claims personal treasures were taken. awarded two special oscars for work as a child actor and lifetime achievement , rooney says his golden statue is gone.

>> and he even sold my oscar.

>> reporter: a judge has appointed someone to protect rooney 's finances. in a written statement, a lawyer representing rooney 's step-son says allegations that chris aber threatens, intimidates, harasses, yells and screams at mr. rooney are false. and states that rooney 's eighth wife, jan, denies any abuse. going public, rooney hopes to help other seniors.

>> you're not alone. and you have nothing, nothing, ladies and gentlemen , to be ashamed of.

>> reporter: something rare for a senate hearing, but not for this showman. a round of applause.

>> god bless you are, and god bless our country.

>> and part of the reason senators wanted rooney to come here, because as a movie legend and a world war ii veteran, they hoped that he will help seniors come forward. more than 14% of elderly who live with family or on their own go through some kind of abuse. rooney hopes his story can help them. and in our conversation, he revealed a lot of pain but also hope that his own situation will get better. meredith, matt?

>> kelly , thank you very much. we appreciate it.

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