Lydia Hearst has released a statement standing by her husband Chris Hardwick following allegations of “long-term abuse” from his ex-girlfriend Chloe Dykstra.
“This is not a statement in defense, this is a statement of defense,” Hearst told People magazine on Thursday. “Defense for all the women who have been sexually abused, raped, trafficked, and tortured; defense of all the people who this movement was started for. Over the last year the #MeToo movement has rightly aimed a spotlight directly on women whose stories needed to be told. As someone who has been involved in toxic relationships in the past, I know first hand the importance of sharing these stories and do not take this situation lightly. ”
Dykstra, an actress and host, shared an essay on Medium last week in which she accused a former boyfriend of emotional manipulation, controlling behavior and pressuring her into having sex with him throughout their three-year relationship. While she did not name him directly, it is widely believed that the accusations are aimed at Hardwick. He has since denied any abuse behavior.
“I have made the decision to come out in support of my husband not out of obligation, but out of necessity to speak the truth about the person I know,” Hearst said continued to People. “Chris is nothing but loving and compassionate and is the only person who has stood by me, never judged me, helped me heal, and feel whole. To defend my husband would be giving credence to any of these accusations. I will not do that. Chris Hardwick is a good man. I remain in complete support of my husband, and I believe that the truth will always win. #TimesUp because I know my truth and I believe in due process.”
Hardwick has faced heavy consequences since Dykstra’s allegations. His upcoming AMC talk show “Talking With Chris Hardwick” has been yanked from the schedule and several planned appearances at next month’s San Diego Comic-Con are now canceled.
A day after Dykstra’s essay went public, Hardwick released a statement saying he was “blindsided” by the allegations. “I’m devastated to read that she is now accusing me of conduct that did not occur,” he said.
Hearst’s mother, Patty — granddaughter of publishing giant William Randolph Hearst — has also come to Hardwick’s defense in recent days, most notably by sharing a video on social media that she said called Dykstra’s story into question.