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Monday, June 18, 2018

AMC Pulls Chris Hardwick's Talk Show

Chris Hardwick, Chloe Dykstra
Chris Hardwick’s talk show on AMC has been pulled following allegations of sexual assault from his ex-girlfriend, Chloe Dykstra. He has also voluntarily pulled out of Comic-Con International panels he was set to moderate.

“We have had a positive working relationship with Chris Hardwick for many years," said the network in a statement on Saturday. "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 a game show called The Wall on NBC, and the network told The Hollywood Reporter that they are reviewing the accusations.

“These allegations about Chris Hardwick took us by surprise as we have had a positive working relationship with him.  However, we take allegations of misconduct very seriously. Production on The Wall does not begin until September, and in the meantime we are continuing to assess the situation and will take appropriate action based on the outcome.”

In an essay posted to Medium late Thursday, Dykstra accused a man, whom she did not name of abuse and assault. (Her description made Hardwick's identity clear).

The following day, the website he co-founded removed all references to him online.

Hardwick denied the allegations, saying: "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, a son, and future father, I do not condone any kind of mistreatment of women."



FAST FACTS:
  • Hardwick is the CEO of Nerdist Industries. The company said Hardwick currently has no operational involvement in the company. 
  • Comedy and music festival Kaaboo announced it is canceling scheduled performances in September due to the allegations. 
  • Hardwick continues to have an overall deal with AMC. He hosts The Walking Dead aftershow, Talking Dead and others. 
  • Patty Hearst, whose daughter Lydia is married to Hardwick, signaled her support of him on Twitter, tweeting “‘ME’ Carthyism” along with a photo of Joseph McCarthy, which many read as a reference to what some say is the extremism of the #MeToo movement. 

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