AMC Clears Chris Hardwick To Return To ‘Talking Dead’ After Sexual Assault Investigation

Chris Hardwick is in the clear. AMC has given him the green light to return after wrapping up its investigation into the sexual assault claims against the Talking Dead host.

“Following a comprehensive assessment by AMC, working with Ivy Kagan Bierman of the firm Loeb & Loeb, who has considerable experience in this area, Chris Hardwick will return to AMC as the host of Talking Dead and Talking With Chris Hardwick,” AMC said in a statement. “We take these matters very seriously and given the information available to us after a very careful review, including interviews with numerous individuals, we believe returning Chris to work is the appropriate step.”

According to The Wrap, Hardwick is set to return to the Talking Dead on its August 12 premiere which follows the Season 4 mid-season return of Fear The Walking Dead. Yvette Nicole Brown, who temporarily took over his post, will still host the August 5 Walking Dead season 9 preview.  She will appear as a special guest the following week on Hardwick’s return.

The Testimonial Essay Against Chris Hardwick

In June, Chris Hardwick’s ex-girlfriend and actress Chloe Dykstra accused him of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse through a post on Medium. 

In the essay entitled Rose-Colored Glass: A Confession, Dykstra recounted her tale of abuse under a former boyfriend. This former boyfriend allegedly forbid her from going out at night, having close male friends, and speaking in public places. She claims to have been scared of pissing him off. So, she let him do what he wanted, including assaulting her sexually. Dykstra didn’t state any name in her essay. However, the facts about the man and their relationship she gave out helped the masses turn their eyes to Hardwick.

According to Deadline, after Dykstra’s accusations surfaced, AMC held back the June 17 Season 2 premiere of Talking With Chris Hardwick. AMC also announced Hardwick’s absence on the Talking Dead.  The channel also pulled him from the TWD and Doctor Who panels at the San Diego Comic Con.

Hardwick’s Response

According to Deadline’s report, Hardwick released a statement strongly denying the allegations. “These are very serious allegations and not to be taken lightly which is why I’ve taken the day to consider how to respond,” said Hardwick.  “I was heartbroken to read Chloe’s post. 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.”

“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.” he added.

Hardwick and Dykstra haven’t released any comments following AMC’s decision. However, the release schedule of the second season of Talking With Chris Hardwick is yet to be determined. In addition to that, NBC is still assessing the situation according to several reports. It is not yet determined if Hardwick will return to The Wall later this year.