Sexual Harassment Allegations Made Against ‘American Idol’ Host Ryan Seacrest
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Ryan Seacrest, host of American Idol, was accused by a former stylist of sexual harassment. Suzie Hardy worked as Ryan Seacrest’s personal stylist from 2007-2013 and was fired after making allegations to E! that Seacrest had harassed her on several occasions. This could be bad for Ryan.
Hardy alleges that Seacrest gave her a hug in his underwear and groped her on several occasions. She reported Seacrest to his employers at E! who launched an investigation in which they discovered insufficient evidence. She was subsequently fired for having made the allegations. Seacrest’s lawyer also said she initially asked for a pay-off. She denies it. Seacrest also denies it happened. He released a statement,
“It is upsetting to us that Variety is electing to run a ‘story’ about untrue allegations that we were made against my client, after they were told that the accuser threatened to make those false claims against him unless he paid her $15 million. At that time, the claimant threatened to issue a demonstrably false press statement unless she was paid. Instead, my client proactively and publicly denied the claims and agreed to fully cooperate with E!’s investigation about the matter.”
Just because E! couldn’t find any evidence doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. These kinds of harassment are difficult to prove since it comes down to her word against his and he is one of the biggest stars in America. But if public opinion turns against Ryan, he has a lot to lose. Not only is he starting his new gig as American Idol‘s host next month, but he’s also go his radio show and Kelly and Ryan. Remember what happened to Charlie Walk. It will be interesting to see how this pans out.
