Baio denies sexual offending allegations

UNITED STATES: Actor Scott Baio ‘‘is denying each and every one of the allegations’' made against him by two of his former co-stars on Charles In Charge, his spokesman said yesterday.

Brian Glicklich read a brief statement from Baio in response to the latest claim of misconduct.

Former Charles In Charge actor Alexander Polinsky said earlier that Baio assaulted and ‘‘mentally tortured’' him when he was a child star on the sitcom in the 1980s. He said Baio exposed himself, discussed gay sex acts, and once threw a hot cup of tea in his face.

Another star of the series, Nicole Eggert, last month claimed Baio sexually assaulted her when she was a minor while they were working together.

Baio called those allegations false and said he and Eggert were involved in a consensual relationship when she was of legal age.

Yesterday, Jennifer McGrath, a lawyer for Baio, characterised the claims by Polinsky and Eggert as ‘‘ever-changing’' and evidence of ‘‘continual hunger for publicity’'. Glicklich also suggested that the allegations were motivated by a desire for media attention.

McGrath confirmed, however, that the Los Angeles Police Department was investigating Eggert’s allegations after she filed a police report against Baio last week. Glicklich said lawyer Leonard Levine would represent Baio in that matter, and he would present the LAPD with evidence to reject Eggert’s claims.

McGrath showed a photo of a smiling Polinsky and Baio that she said was taken at Baio’s birthday party seven years ago. Glicklich referenced an interview Eggert gave years ago in which she said working with Baio on Charles In

Charge was fun and she would be happy to work with him again.

–AP