The Talking Dead host Chris Hardwick has said he was “blindsided” after his ex-girlfriend alleged she was sexually assaulted.
The TV star added he was “heartbroken” to read a post penned by his former partner Chloe Dykstra, in which she said she was abused by an ex-boyfriend.
In a statement to industry website Deadline, he said: “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.”
Hey gang sorry for the awkward tweet but @skydart & I have decided to part ways. It’s very fresh so please be respectful during this time.
— ʞɔiwbɿɒH ꙅiɿʜƆ (@hardwick) July 14, 2014
He added: “When we were living together, I found out that Chloe had cheated on me, and I ended the relationship.
“For several weeks after we broke up, she asked to get back 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.
“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.”
Hardwick is best known in the US for hosting the Walking Dead after-show The Talking Dead and is a regular fixture at San Diego Comic-Con.
Earlier this week, it was announced that he would moderate a panel with new Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker at the fan event next month.
— ʞɔiwbɿɒH ꙅiɿʜƆ (@hardwick) June 14, 2018
In an essay on the website Medium, Dykstra did not name her alleged abuser but said he was almost 20 years her senior and quickly began displaying “controlling behaviour” that included not letting her speak in public places, keeping her evenings free to spend with him and getting rid of close male friends.
I quietly posted an article today, unlisted on Medium. It clearly made the rounds. I’m overwhelmed and I want to thank all of you for your support and kind words- they mean so much to me. I may take some time off the internet, please know your support means everything to me.
— Chloe Dykstra (@skydart) June 15, 2018
She wrote: “I terrified to piss him off, so I did what he said. Including let him sexually assault me. Regularly.”
“I was expected to be ready for him when he came home from work.”
She added: “When cameras were on us? He was a prince. Turn them off, he was a nightmare.”
Nerdist, the website he founded, wiped all references of Hardwick in the wake of the allegations.
A statement on Twitter said: “Like you, were were shocked to read the news this morning.
“Nerdist prides itself on being an inclusive company made up of a positive, diverse community of people who come together to share and discuss the things we love.
“That type of behaviour is contrary to everything we stand for and believe in, and we absolutely don’t tolerate discrimination, harassment and other forms of abuse.”
— Nerdist (@nerdist) June 15, 2018
Legendary Entertainment, which owns Nerdist Industries, added: “Chris Hardwick had no operational involvement with Nerdist for the two years preceding the expiration of his contract in December 2017.
“He no longer has any affiliation with Legendary Digital Networks. The company has removed all reference to Mr Hardwick even as the original Founder of Nerdist pending further investigation.”
Dykstra wrote on Twitter that she would be taking time off from the internet, adding: “Before I take my break, I do want to address something re: the company he founded.
Before I take my break, I do want to address something re: the company he founded. As I understand it, the person has not been associated with that company for several years, and I hope that they will not suffer as a result of my essay. Be kind to them, they are good people.
— Chloe Dykstra (@skydart) June 15, 2018
“As I understand it, the person has not been associated with that company for several years, and I hope that they will not suffer as a result of my essay. Be kind to them, they are good people.”
A representative for Hardwick has been contacted for comment.
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