In light of Chloe Dykstra’s scathing Medium article, The Nerdist has issued an official statement regarding the allegations against the abusive ex believed to be Chris Hardwick. While Dykstra doesn’t mention Hardwick by name in her post, their very public relationship and her description of her ex as “a mildly successful podcaster to a powerhouse CEO of his own company” has made it easy for most people to connect the alleged dots. Nerdist’s statement and quick removal of Hardwick from their site all but confirms it. Allegedly.
— Nerdist (@nerdist) June 15, 2018
The company’s statement says, “Nerdist prides itself on being an inclusive company made up of a positive, diverse community of people who come together to share, celebrate, and discuss the things we love. That type of behavior is contrary to everything we stand for and believe in, and we absolutely don’t tolerate discrimination, harassment, and other forms of abuse.”
It also follows up with a statement from the Nerdist’s parent company Legendary, which says:
“Chris Hardwick had no operational involvement with Nerdist for the two years preceding the expiration of his contract in December 2017. He no longer has any affiliation with Legendary Digital Networks. The company has removed all reference to Mr. Hardwick even as the original Founder of Nerdist pending further investigation.”
Many former and current Nerdist employees have taken to Twitter to express their disgust at Hardwick’s alleged actions, and to reiterate that his influence and involvement at Nerdist is nearly non-existent following his divestment from the company.
Reminder: there are real people who work at Nerdist. Hardwick sold Nerdist months ago.
They do not have to answer for HIS actions. The ONLY person responsible for his actions is Hardwick.
— chrissy (@chrissypedia) June 15, 2018
Dear everyone,
Chris Hardwick has long been separated from @Nerdist for awhile now. Many of their employees haven't even met the guy. Please leave the Nerdist team alone. They have nothing to do with what has happened.
Thanks.
— Laura (@lsirikul) June 15, 2018
pls remember nerdist has a lot of amazing people working there and fully cut ties with hardwick last year and has now taken this step before asking to burn all of them for his crimes https://t.co/53uojvBiuq
— Maia the 🐝99💖💙💜 @ Down With A/Biphobia (@semirose) June 15, 2018
Dykstra herself returned to Twitter to defend the Nerdist employees, saying:
Before I take my break, I do want to address something re: the company he founded. As I understand it, the person has not been associated with that company for several years, and I hope that they will not suffer as a result of my essay. Be kind to them, they are good people.
— Chloe Dykstra (@skydart) June 15, 2018
(via Nerdist, image: Nerdist)
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