NBC backs Seacrest despite allegations

NBCUniversal defended talk show host Ryan Seacrest against sexualharassment allegations on Tuesday and said he would not be removed from Academy Awards coverage on E!

The allegations, which first surfaced in November, were made by Seacrest’s former personal stylist, Suzie Hardy, who worked with him between 2007 and 2013 while he was employed by E! News, a network owned by NBCUniversal.

Hardy’s lawyer said that, at various times, Seacrest asked her inappropriate sexual questions, slapped her buttocks, gave her a bear hug while wearing only his underwear, “forced himself on top” of her and grabbed her crotch. Seacrest has publicly denied her claims.

In a statement Tuesday, he said he supports the movement to combat sexual harassment and “to change our culture and the systemic inequalities that exist,” but maintained that he had been falsely accused.

NBC conducted an independent investigation that found the claims unsubstantiated

Hardy detailed her allegations to Variety, including a 2009 incident in which she claimed Seacrest threw her on a hotel bed and began grinding on her as she helped him prepare for the Oscars. Her stories were corroborated by a co-worker who claimed he stopped the hotel incident by yelling at Seacrest.

Seacrest’s lawyer claimed the stylist had demanded $15 million to keep the “false claims” quiet.

Hardy denied ever asking Seacrest for cash.