‘American Idol’ Host Ryan Seacrest Denies Sexual Harassment Allegation, Reveals Accuser Asks For $15M
American Idol revival host Ryan Seacrest denies the sexual abuse allegations thrown at him by his former stylist. The TV personality said her former wardrobe stylist for E!, Suzie Hardy, demanded $15 million from him. Seacrest's camp claimed Hardy threatened to go public with her allegations if she did not receive the money.
Hardy has opened up to Variety in a new interview. She gave a detailed account of how Seacrest allegedly harassed her on multiple occasions while she was working as his wardrobe stylist from 2006-2013. Seacrest has previously denied Hardy's accusations on several occasions. He also released a statement when the accusations first came out in fall last year.
When Did the Allegation Start?
The accusation against Seacrest is not actually new. It was first reported in November 2017. At the time, Hardy's lawyer said his client was encouraged to speak out after the Harvey Weinstein scandal came out. Apparently, Hardy wants Seacrest to take responsibility for his action and to encourage the entertainment industry to stop condoning the inappropriate sexual behavior.
Days later, Seacrest announced that cable channel E! is conducting an investigation into his alleged misconduct. Seacrest's attorney Andrew Baum said the network has informed them earlier this year that its independent third-party investigation had concluded. The network's investigators found insufficient evidence to support Hardy's claims.
Baum said they are disappointed that Variety chose to rerun Hardy's "untrue allegations" about his client. This was after the publication was told that Hardy threatened to make false claims unless Seacrest paid her $15 million. In a recent interview, however, Hardy's lawyer denied that neither he nor Hardy have asked for any monetary compensation from the Live With Kelly & Ryan host.
Why Suzie Hardy Worked For Ryan Seacrest for Seven Years Despite Her Allegations
Hardy admitted that she decided not to resign from her work because of financial reason. Hardy is a single mom of one daughter. She added that she also did not report to Human Resources the alleged sexual advances of Seacrest because of fear that she might lose her job.
It was in 2013 when the HR asked to meet with her to evaluate her relationship with her boss. Hardy finally told them about Seacrest's alleged behavior towards her. However, her employment was terminated two weeks later. One of Hardy's former coworkers, who also worked at E! News, told Variety that he witnessed Seacrest assaulting Hardy on at least two separate occasions in 2009.
Following Variety's report, E! has released a statement reiterating the result of their earlier investigation. The network said their investigation was extremely comprehensive and thorough and any claims that question its truthfulness is completely baseless.
