Nerdist founder and host of “Talking Dead”, Chris Hardwick, is the latest in Hollywood to find themselves in trouble following allegations of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault and emotional abuse.
After Hardwick’s ex-girlfriend, Chloe Dykstra penned a post for Medium a few days ago, in which she never mentioned his name, only hinted at his identity, he is left with major fallout. Not only has his pannels appearance at next month’s Comic-con been canceled, his name has been scrubbed for the Nerdist site.
AMC has confirmed that the second season of “Talking with Chirs Hardwick”, which was set to premiere tonight with guest Donald Glover, has been pulled from the schedule. They also say that his hosting on “Talking Dead” is being discussed. NBC has stated that it is now considering if it will continue to feature Hardwick as the host of their series “The Wall”, EW reports.
The essay, titled “Rose Colored Glasses: A Confession“, by Dykstra went into detail about her repeated abuse at the hand of her unnamed ex. The post describes her ex as a decade older and who went “from a mildly successful podcaster to a powerhouse CEO of his own company”. She also claims that he had her blacklisted from the industry.
Hardwick has responded and denies Dykstra’s claims. He also goes so far as to blame Dykstra for the trouble in the relationship due to her cheating.
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,” he continued. “When we were living together, I found out that Chloe cheated on me and I ended the relationship,” the TV host said. “For several weeks after we broke up, she asked to get 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.” He went on to say: “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, son, and future father, I do not condone any kind of mistreatment of women.”
Dykstra was prepared for Hardwick’s statement and responded saying, “The person I used to date would try to sue me due to pride — I would not recommend it,” she wrote in a footnote. “I have audio/video that will support and prove many of the things I’ve stated in this post. I’ve chosen not to include it for your sake, in the hopes that the person you’ve become will do the right thing.”
The allegations are very serious ones and could potentially crush Hardwick’s career. While no one but the two knows what really happen behind closed doors, the fact that Dykstra says she has evidence may mean a court battle is ahead.
Editor’s Note:
We are not saying that Mr. Hardwick is guilty or innocent. We are simply reporting the facts of the case. We will continue to follow the case closely.
