The fallout of Chloe Dykstra’s Medium article continues as networks and brands continue to distance themselves from alleged abuser Chris Hardwick. AMC has pulled the second season premiere of Talking with Chris Hardwick and has cancelled his upcoming appearances at next month’s San Diego Comic-Con.
AMC released a statement in the response to the allegations, saying, “We have had a positive working relationship with Chris Hardwick for many years. We take the troubling allegations that surfaced yesterday very seriously. While we assess the situation, Talking with Chris Hardwick will not air on AMC, and Chris has decided to step aside from moderating planned AMC and BBC America panels at Comic-Con International in San Diego next month.” Hardwick, a Hall H staple, was set to moderate several panels, including the first Comic-Con panel of the first female Doctor Who, Jodie Whittaker.
Hardwick himself has responded to the allegations, saying:
“I was heartbroken to read Chloe’s post. Our three year relationship was not perfect—we were ultimately not a good match and argued—even shouted at each other—but I loved her, and did my best to uplift and support her as a partner and companion in any way and at no time did I sexually assault her.
“When we were living together, I found out that Chloe cheated on me, and I ended the relationship. For several weeks after we broke up, she asked me to get back together with me and even told me she wanted to have kids with me, ‘build a life’ with me and told me that I was ‘the one,’ but I did not want to be with someone who was unfaithful.
I’m devastated to read that she is now accusing me of conduct that did not occur. I was blindsided by her post and always wanted the best for her. As a husband, a son, and future father, I do not condone any kind of mistreatment of women.”
In addition to AMC, NBC is also distancing itself from Hardwick, who hosted the game show The Wall for the network. NBC released a statement saying, “Production on The Wall does not begin until September, and in the meantime we are continuing to assess the situation and will take appropriate action based on the outcome.”
While Hardwick’s wife Lydia Hearst has remained silent, his mother-in-law Patty Hearst, the famed kidnapping victim and heiress, has released some cryptic posts on her social media accounts.
— Patricia Hearst (@PatriciaHearst) June 15, 2018
(via Deadline, Hollywood Reporter, image: Jesse Grant/Getty Images for AMC)
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