It was business as usual on the set of Tuesday’s “Live With Kelly and Ryan” — with no mention of the sexual misconduct accusations against co-host Ryan Seacrest.
On Monday, Variety reported that former E! stylist Suzie Hardy accused Seacrest of subjecting her “to years of unwanted sexual aggression” while she worked for him from 2006-2013, including “grinding his erect penis against her while clad only in his underwear, groping her vagina, and at one point slapping her buttock so hard that it left a large welt still visible hours later.”
Seacrest’s lawyer said that it was “upsetting” that Variety chose to run Hardy’s story, saying that Hardy threatened to make the “false claims” if she did not receive $15 million. Hardy’s attorney told Variety that “neither he nor Hardy has asked Seacrest, E!, or the cable channel’s corporate parents for any money.”
During the usual bantering session between Kelly Ripa and Seacrest that opens the syndicated show, the co-hosts made no mention of the accusations or the new details that had emerged.
Reps for “Live” had no comment and Seacrest’s rep did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
Seacrest, who hosts a series of radio shows as well as ABC’s upcoming reboot of “American Idol,” announced on Nov. 17 that E! was investigating an allegation of misconduct against him by “someone that worked as a wardrobe stylist for me nearly a decade ago at E! News.”
On Feb. 1, E! released a statement saying that the independent investigation into Hardy’s claims found “insufficient evidence to support the claims against Seacrest.”
“E!’s investigation was extremely comprehensive and thorough,” an E! Spokesperson said in a statement to TheWrap Monday. “Over the course of a two-month process, our outside counsel interviewed more than two dozen people regarding the allegations, including multiple separate meetings with the claimant. The investigator is an attorney with nearly 20 years experience and is highly regarded professionally. Any claims that question the legitimacy of this investigation are completely baseless.”
This Is Everything Ryan Seacrest Does in a Week (Photos)
Now that Ryan Seacrest has added hosting a rebooted "American Idol" to his list of seemingly never-ending jobs, we decided to look at a week in the life of the broadcaster, TV host, producer, philanthropist, fashion designer and dog-lover.
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Seacrest has said in interviews that he wakes up around 5 a.m. His radio show, "On Air with Ryan Seacrest," airs at 6 a.m. and goes until 10 a.m. on weekdays.
He then heads to the New York studio of "Live With Kelly and Ryan," which airs at 9 a.m. ET (then it's replayed at 9 a.m. PT).
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Along with "On Air" and "Live," Seacrest is sure to schedule in workouts for himself. He told GQ that he treats them like executive meetings, but the time can float.
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In addition to those shows and his workouts, he also serves on the Los Angeles County Museum of Art board of trustees. Here he is at the LACMA's 50th anniversary party.
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Seacrest isn't only in front of the camera. He also produces "E! Live from the Red Carpet," Bravo's "Shah's of Sunset" and CMT's "I Love Kelli Pickler." That's not even to mention that he created and executive produces "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" and its spin-offs.
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Seacrest has added more to his plate than his new spot on "Live." He's producing "Life of Kylie" on E!, which premieres this summer, and is launching a new skin-care line for men, which will also release this summer.
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And he has signed on to reprise hosting duties on ABC's reboot of "American Idol," which is expected to launch in winter 2018.
Seacrest's independent production company, Ryan Seacrest Productions, will remain based in Los Angeles despite his move to New York for "Live." Among the many shows produced here is Jennifer Lopez's "Shades of Blue." ABC reports he will travel back to LA on weekends.
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Seacrest continues to host "America's Top 40," a radio show that airs on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
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All of this on a weekly basis, plus Seacrest's yearly commitments like hosting "New Year's Rockin' Eve" and E!'s live coverage for events like the Grammys, Golden Globes and Oscars.
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The new ”Live“ co-host and returning ”American Idol“ host is everywhere. Here’s a breakdown of all his endeavors
Now that Ryan Seacrest has added hosting a rebooted "American Idol" to his list of seemingly never-ending jobs, we decided to look at a week in the life of the broadcaster, TV host, producer, philanthropist, fashion designer and dog-lover.