Ryan Seacrest will remain the host of E! network’s pre-Academy Awards coverage, after an internal NBC Universal investigation found there was insufficient evidence to substantiate claims of sexual harassment levelled against him by a former stylist.
In November last year, Suzie Hardy accused the television personality of inappropriate conduct spanning years. She alleged a 2007 incident in which he “bear hugged” her while only wearing underwear, and several instances where he grabbed her crotch.
Hardy also accused a semi-nude Seacrest of throwing her onto a hotel bed and rubbing his erection against her, only stopping when another colleague yelled at the host.
In a statement, an E! spokesperson told Variety that “over the course of a two month process, our outside counsel interviewed more than two dozen people regarding the allegations, including multiple separate meetings with the claimant.”
Hardy stated she felt the investigation obviously erred on the side of Seacrest, and that the investigator failed to interview four people she claimed had knowledge of Seacrest’s actions.
However, E! claimed “the investigator is an attorney with nearly 20 years experience and is highly regarded professionally. Any claims that question the legitimacy of this investigation are completely baseless.”
Earlier this week, Seacrest issued an essay outright denying the allegations.
He voiced his support for the entertainment industry’s shift against sexual abuse, but added “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… is given the opportunity for a swift and fair review.”
Seacrest’s lawyer also claimed Hardy sought US $15 million before she brought her statement to the media. She denies this, instead saying Seacrest’s camp came to her in an attempt to keep the alleged misconduct quiet. Both parties maintained no money was exchanged.
The Academy Awards will kick off from 12.30pm on Monday, March 4.
If you would like to talk to a counsellor about sexual harassment, give the people over at 1800 RESPECT a call on 1800 737 732.
