Update: Ryan Seacrest Accuser Files Police Report

[JamesG]

Ryan Seacrest Denies “Behaving Inappropriately” to E! Stylist, Channel Investigating
by Dominic Patten
November 17, 2017


As more and more allegations of sexual harassment and other misconduct emerge in Hollywood, Ryan Seacrest today took the preemptive move of denying acting badly before an accusation went public.

The anonymous accuser wanted a “substantial amount of money to keep quiet,” a source close to the situation tells Deadline. Weary of the implications of guilt baked into acquiescing to such a financial demand, Seacrest refused and decided to go public, we hear.

E! is investigating the allegations internally, the outlet says.

Recently, someone that worked as a wardrobe stylist for me nearly a decade ago at E! News, came forward with a complaint suggesting I behaved inappropriately toward her.

If I made her feel anything but respected, I am truly sorry.



I dispute these reckless allegations and I plan to cooperate with any corporate inquiries that may result. I treat all my colleagues with kindness, dignity, and understanding, as this is a principle that’s core to who I am. Throughout my 25 years in the entertainment industry, the majority of my co-workers have been women, and I’ve endeavored to foster a positive work environment of mutual respect and courtesy, as that’s how I believe it should be.

I’m distraught that anyone or any situation would call that into question. I’m proud of my workplace reputation, and believe my track record will speak for itself. I’m an advocate for women. I will continue to support their voices.

Seacrest’s response lands just less than five months before the ABC version of "American Idol" is set to debut on March 11.

He currently co-hosts ABC's "Live! with Kelly and Ryan" and hosted "E! News" from 2006-2012.

http://deadline.com/2017/11/ryan-sea...nt-1202211382/

[JamesG]

E! Concludes Ryan Seacrest Harassment Investigation: “Insufficient Evidence”
by Greg Evans
February 1, 2018


Allegations that Ryan Seacrest behaved inappropriately toward a wardrobe stylist a decade ago could not be substantiated by E!, the network has announced.

“E! has now concluded the investigation into allegations regarding Ryan Seacrest,” a network spokesperson said in a statement. “The investigation, conducted by outside counsel, found insufficient evidence to support the claims against Seacrest and therefore could not be substantiated. E! is committed to providing a safe working environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.”

http://deadline.com/2018/02/ryan-sea...on-1202276329/

[Mr. Television]

It's getting ridiculous because you can't tell who's telling the truth anymore.

[JamesG]

What Happened After I Was Wrongly Accused of Harassment (Guest Column)
by Ryan Seacrest
2/5/18


I do not take things for granted. Every day I am living my childhood dream because of the efforts of so many other people. I do my best to show and express my gratitude to my co-hosts, producers, guests, audiences, executives, partners and fans for the privilege of their collaboration and participation, and for the unwavering support of my loved ones and team.

In November, I received a letter from a lawyer representing a former show stylist. She claimed that I mistreated her more than a decade ago when we worked together. This arrived during an unprecedented public reckoning by women in our industry and beyond, courageously coming forward to share their stories, many of them heartbreaking.

These women sought to bring attention to the systemic gender inequality that has occurred for decades. I was — and am — amazed at their bravery.





To have my workplace conduct questioned was gut-wrenching. I’ve always aimed to treat all of my colleagues with honesty, respect, kindness and compassion. Yet, I knew, regardless of the confidence I had that there was no merit to the allegations, my name would likely soon appear on the lists of those suspected of despicable words and deeds. The pressures of our overflowing newsfeeds would insist on it.

I absolutely want to be part of the change, the progress, that is coming. I did not want to be a postscript of evidence of its cause.





After sharing the letter with the network, I publicly denied the claims against me, and agreed to participate in any inquiry the network deemed appropriate. On Feb. 1, I received notice that an independent third party found the claims to be unsubstantiated and that there was no evidence of wrongdoing on my part.

Most of us agree that the presumption of innocence is an important standard. We are taught early on that it’s essential to see all sides, to give everyone a chance to explain and to check for exculpatory evidence that may have been missed. At a time when improper interactions between men and women, particularly in the workplace, are part of a national conversation, we must find a way to ensure that everyone — the public, private and public institutions, accusers and alleged accused — is given the opportunity for a swift and fair review.





My job is to listen. Beyond listening, which I will continue in earnest, I also will ask questions and try to help voices be heard. It isn’t lost on me that my platforms — radio, TV, social media — can be powerful conduits for change.

We all have the right to be treated equally, regardless of our gender, race, faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or other status. We find ourselves in extraordinary times in American culture. We live with near constant change, disruption and public discourse. I realize the morals and values, the decency, we’ve perhaps taken for granted, individually and as citizens of the world, are in question.

Worse, at risk. I do not take these things for granted.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/ne...column-1081933

[JamesG]

E! Stylist Reveals Ryan Seacrest Sexual Abuse Accusations
by Lindsay MacDonald
Feb 26, 2018


Details of Ryan Seacrest's alleged sexual misconduct with an E! stylist are now public knowledge.

In an interview with Variety, the accuser, Suzie Hardy, went into detail about the accusations she made against Seacrest while she was working for him as a personal stylist at E! News.



She claims Seacrest pressed his erect penis against her, groped her vagina and slapped her buttock so hard it left a welt. She also described a scenario where Seacrest threw her onto his hotel room bed and climbed on top of her in only his underwear.

When she brought these accusations to human resources, her employment was ended.







After the accusations became public, an outside investigator was brought in to E! News to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to corroborate Hardy's allegations. After a two-month investigation, the case was closed on the grounds that there was "insufficient evidence to support the claims against Seacrest."

Hardy called the investigation exasperating, claiming, "I felt like by the third interview, it was obvious the investigator was whitewashing it for Seacrest's side."

Seacrest's attorney, Andrew Baum, told Variety that Hardy asked Seacrest for $15 million in exchange for not going public with her allegations, which Hardy's attorney has denied. No proof of the monetary request was provided.

http://www.tvguide.com/news/e-stylis...e-accusations/

[JamesG]

Ryan Seacrest Denies Sexual Misconduct Allegations, Says Accuser Asked for Money
by Derek Lawrence
Feb. 27, 2018


Ryan Seacrest is once again denying the sexual misconduct allegations leveled against him, claiming his accuser asked him for money on multiple occasions.

His latest statement comes on the heels of his former E! stylist Suzie Hardy going public with detailed accusations, telling Variety that Seacrest inappropriately groped her throughout their time working together. Hardy’s claims, which were first reported in November, previously prompted an investigation by E!

The network announced earlier this month it found “insufficient evidence” and ended the inquiry into the host, who still has a professional relationship with the network and will still host its Oscars red carpet show this Sunday.





Now, the day after Hardy’s comments, Seacrest has responded, saying he supports the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements and applauds “all the brave souls who have come forward to share their stories.”

“Sadly, last fall I became one of the accused, which I promptly revealed proactively to the network involved and to the public,” he said in a statement sent to EW. “And to be equally clear, those accusations were then investigated by an independent third-party over the course of a two-month process and involved dozens of interviews that included me, the accuser and countless others. Ultimately, my name was cleared. I eagerly participated in the investigation in order to demonstrate my innocence because I know my truth, and I believe in due process.”





He continued, “Yesterday, Variety published a salacious story that revealed the specific claims against me for the first time – even though an independent third-party investigator found insufficient evidence to support the claims.

Much to my dismay, Variety didn’t speak with me or bother to speak with other credible witnesses or even ask for any of the evidence that was obtained during the investigation when offered, all of which clearly challenged the veracity of the claims made against me.”





Seacrest added that Hardy repeatedly “offered…to withdraw her claims if I paid her millions of dollars. I refused.”

He concluded, “I have worked extremely hard to achieve my success and I don’t take my opportunities for granted. I don’t want to accuse anyone of not telling the truth but in this case, I have no choice but to again deny the claims against me, remind people that I was recused of any wrongdoing, and put the matter to rest.”





Variety’s two co-editors in chief, Andrew Wallenstein and Claudia Eller, dispute Seacrest’s claim in a statement obtained by EW:

“Responding to a quote by Ryan Seacrest in a Hollywood Reporter story posted today, in which Seacrest claims that ‘Variety didn’t speak with me’ or even ask for evidence obtained during the investigation of sexual misconduct allegations, we want to set the record straight…

We spent one hour on the phone yesterday (2/26) with Seacrest attorney, Andrew Baum and his publicist, Kelly Mullens Brown, speaking on background about the story that our reporter Dan Holloway was writing. We asked to speak to Seacrest directly and his reps declined to make him available. Seacrest’s reps claimed to have evidence discrediting the accuser, Suzie Hardy, but refused to provide that as well, citing legal restrictions.”

http://ew.com/news/2018/02/27/ryan-s...s-allegations/

[loaferman]

Rumor is that Seacrest may reveal the worst kept secret in show business to stop these claims.

[tlc38tlc38]

Originally Posted by loaferman

Rumor is that Seacrest may reveal the worst kept secret in show business to stop these claims.

Hmmm what could that be?

[Ron Ron]

Originally Posted by tlc38tlc38

Hmmm what could that be?

[TMC]

Is Ryan Seacrest immune to the #MeToo movement?
Sonia Saraiya wonders why Seacrest has been seemingly unaffected by his sexual harassment scandal, details of which were reported this week in her publication Variety. "I can’t objectively defend Variety," she writes. "But I can observe that Seacrest is engaging in his own public-opinion chess, with a skill we haven’t seen from other accused men. Unlike them, Seacrest is a man whose primary marketable talent is continuing to be generally liked; he is a master of this form. And this behavior from him is a play — a belligerent, entitled, corporate-sponsored play that exploits the weaknesses in a system that is designed to work against victims of harassment. Seacrest and his publicity team have taken special note of how the judgment of crowds imperfectly aligns with the judgment of courts; of how, in the age of reality-star president Donald Trump, arrogant denial has surprising weight with the viewing audience. That Seacrest’s on-air persona is an appealingly inoffensive one adds to his power; if that persona is merely a performance, viewers at home don’t know the difference."

ALSO:

For female stars, there's no right response in deciding whether to let Seacrest interview them
Report: Kelly Ripa had to support Seacrest because there's no "Plan B"

[Impressions]

It's really not fair how people can get accused and be presumed guilty without due process...it goes to the court of public opinion first. Frankly, I'm sick of it. And I don't think it's disrespectful to the #MeToo movement to say that a lot of it feels like a desperate plea for people to ask for money. Call me a bleep, but it feels so unjustified and undignified.

[TMC]

ABC and American Idol producers are standing by Ryan Seacrest
"We stand by the results of the investigation," ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey says of E!'s third-party investigation into Seacrest for alleged sexual harassment of his former stylist. Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of Idol producer FremantleMedia, adds: "I've known Ryan now for almost 16 years. I stand by him. Obviously it's unfortunate. I'm not privy to the details. He seems to be very robust in his defense. And we'll see where it all goes."

[tlc38tlc38]

Originally Posted by Impressions

It's really not fair how people can get accused and be presumed guilty without due process...it goes to the court of public opinion first. Frankly, I'm sick of it. And I don't think it's disrespectful to the #MeToo movement to say that a lot of it feels like a desperate plea for people to ask for money. Call me a bleep, but it feels so unjustified and undignified.

Agree 100%. The accusations are becoming almost comical now.

[JamesG]

Ryan Seacrest Accuser Files Police Report
by Denise Petski
March 29, 2018


Suzie Hardy, Ryan Seacrest’s former E! News stylist is taking her allegations against her former boss to the police. Hardy has filed a report with Los Angeles police, Deadline has confirmed, and the LAPD is investigating her claims. Details aren’t known.

The filing of the report follows the conclusion of E!’s internal investigation into Hardy’s allegations of inappropriate conduct against Seacrest, in which it found insufficient evidence to substantiate the claims.

Seacrest has denied the claims and his attorney, Andrew Baum, said in a statement, “We will continue to cooperate and we remain confident that Mr. Seacrest will once again be cleared of any wrongdoing.”

http://deadline.com/2018/03/ryan-sea...rt-1202355481/