A former stylist of television personality Ryan Seacrest has come forward with alarming allegations of prolonged sexual harassment and assault during her tenure with him. Suzie Hardy, a single mother, claims that her vulnerable position was exploited by Seacrest, resulting in six years of abusive behavior that eventually escalated to physical assault.
In November 2017, Hardy sent a detailed letter to NBCUniversal, the parent company of E!, outlining her experiences and urging them to take action to protect women within their organization. Seven days later, Seacrest publicly dismissed her allegations as “reckless” in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. Following an independent investigation by E!, it was concluded that there was “insufficient evidence” to substantiate Hardy’s claims, a finding that left her feeling frustrated and unheard.
Hardy recounted her initial employment in 2007, facilitated by Seacrest’s assistant, who suggested she bring her young daughter to work as a precaution against Seacrest’s advances. According to Hardy, Seacrest’s behavior quickly turned inappropriate. She detailed instances where he would request her presence at odd hours, often in private settings, and made suggestive comments about their relationship.
The situation escalated physically when Hardy alleged that Seacrest, while clad only in underwear, would envelop her in a “bear hug” multiple times, only releasing her when his assistant entered the room. Additionally, Hardy claimed that Seacrest once slid his hand under her clothing and, after an incident, asked if she was considering legal action against him. Witnesses corroborated some of her accounts, including a co-worker who observed inappropriate physical contact.
One particularly troubling allegation from 2010 involved Seacrest making crude remarks about Hardy’s personal life before inappropriately grabbing her. Following this, Hardy sought support from a production assistant, who cautioned her against reporting the incident due to potential repercussions on her career.
Hardy’s employment ended in 2013 after she was questioned about her relationship with Seacrest. She firmly stated that while she had never engaged in a physical relationship with him, she had been subjected to unwanted touching. Shortly after, she was notified of her impending termination.
Now working outside of the entertainment industry, Hardy has spoken out about her experiences, inspired by the #MeToo movement. She reflected on the challenges of freelance work, highlighting the difficult choices she faced while trying to provide for her child. For those interested in similar topics, exploring resources like Mount Sinai’s infertility materials can offer valuable insights.
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In summary, Suzie Hardy’s allegations against Ryan Seacrest reflect a troubling narrative of abuse and exploitation in the workplace. Her story emphasizes the importance of listening to survivors and addressing issues of harassment within the industry.