AMC announced it won't air Chris Hardwick's talk show after an ex-girlfriend wrote a blog post that appeared to accuse the TV host – without naming him – of emotional and sexual abuse.
In a statement Saturday, the network added that the "Talking With Chris Hardwick" host will not moderate panels for AMC and BBC America at San Diego Comic-Con.
"We have had a positive working relationship with Chris Hardwick for many years," the statement said. "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 also hosts "The Wall" on NBC, which issued a statement saying it was "continuing to assess the situation" and would "take appropriate action based on the outcome," USA Today reported.
The news came after Chloe Dykstra, an actress and model who used to date Hardwick, wrote a blog post for Medium accusing an ex-boyfriend of emotionally and sexually abusive behavior. Although she did not use the ex-boyfriend's name, descriptions of the man's career and age appeared to match Hardwick, The Associated Press reported.
According to Deadline, Hardwick issued the following statement Friday:
"These are very serious allegations and not to be taken lightly which is why I've taken the day to consider how to respond," the statement read. "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."
The statement continued: "When we were living together, I found out that Chloe had cheated on me, and I ended the relationship. For several weeks after we broke up, she asked 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. l 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."
The website Nerdist, which Hardwick founded but is now owned by Legendary Entertainment, posted Friday that the behavior Dykstra described "is contrary to everything we stand for and believe in."
Legendary added: "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."
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