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Ryan Seacrest’s Former Stylist Accuses Him of Sexual Misconduct, Says She Was Fired for Complaining
On Nov. 17, 2017, Ryan Seacrest shockingly revealed that he was being investigated by E! following misconduct claims from a former stylist. The network determined that the claims were unsubstantiated, but now that stylist — a woman named Suzie Hardy — has come forward with her story of misconduct and harassment at the hands of Ryan.
In a bombshell interview with Variety, Suzie revealed that she worked for Ryan for seven years, until she complained to HR about the host. “As proud as I am and as strong as a woman as I am, as smart as I am and as much work as I’ve done with therapists, it really affected me,” she explained, going on to detail years of groping, sexual comments, inappropriate requests, and abuse. "I didn’t know how to deal with it. I really didn’t. I was battling finally being in a decent financial position to breathe and be a mom, that I didn’t have to be freaking out all the time, and then dealing with this infantile celebrity person who was testing me on every level and manipulating me and knew that I was in a vulnerable position."
Suzie was devastated to hear that E! determined that Ryan did nothing wrong, especially after they allegedly didn't even talk to four witnesses she gave that would corroborate her stories. “It is upsetting to us that Variety is electing to run a ‘story’ about untrue allegations that were made against my client, after they were told that the accuser threatened to make those false claims against him unless he paid her $15 million," explained Ryan's attorney Andrew Baum. "At that time, the claimant threatened to issue a demonstrably false press statement unless she was paid. Instead, my client proactively and publicly denied the claims and agreed to fully cooperate with E!’s investigation about the matter."
Ryan tried to get out ahead of the story in November. “Recently, someone that worked as a wardrobe stylist for me nearly a decade ago at E! News, came forward with a complaint suggesting I behaved inappropriately toward her,” Ryan explained in a statement shared by Deadline. “If I made her feel anything but respected, I am truly sorry." However, he didn't exactly cop to any sexual misconduct or other forms of harassment.
“I dispute these reckless allegations and I plan to cooperate with any corporate inquiries that may result,” he continued, insisting that he's always treated his coworkers with kindness, dignity, and understanding. "Throughout my 25 years in the entertainment industry, the majority of my co-workers have been women, and I’ve endeavored to foster a positive work environment of mutual respect and courtesy, as that’s how I believe it should be. I’m distraught that anyone or any situation would call that into question. I’m proud of my workplace reputation, and believe my track record will speak for itself."
Ryan covered many of the shocking sexual harassment claims that came out, and claims he has always been supportive of the women being taken advantage of. He insisted that this situation won't change that. "I’m an advocate for women. I will continue to support their voices," he promised.
