7th Heaven actor Stephen Collins today confirmed reports of sexual misconduct involving young girls.

The 67-year-old has not made any media appearance since leaked audio of him discussing the incidents with his wife during therapy were published by TMZ.

In a lengthy statement to People magazine, Collins explains that there were three victims over a 20 year time span, from 1973 to 1994.

"Forty years ago, I did something terribly wrong that I deeply regret. I have been working to atone for it ever since. I've decided to address these issues publicly because two months ago, various news organizations published a recording made by my then-wife, Faye Grant, during a confidential marriage therapy session in January, 2012. This session was recorded without the therapist's or my knowledge or consent." 

"On the recording, I described events that took place 20, 32, and 40 years ago.The publication of the recording has resulted in assumptions and innuendos about what I did that go far beyond."

Since these incidents, he says he has "not had an impulse to act out in any such way."

At present, no criminal charges have been brought against he actor, and none of the three victims have come forward.

Collins will follow the piece with an interview with Katie Couric on ABC on Friday.