Actress and cosplayer Chloe Dykstra made huge waves in the entertainment world Friday when she wrote a post on Medium detailing sexual assault allegations against a former boyfriend. Many believe that ex-boyfriend was Nerdist founder and TV host Chris Hardwick.
Late Friday night, Hardwick responded, saying he was “blindsided” by Dykstra’s post and “heartbroken” by her allegations. He also accused Dykstra of infidelity during their three-year relationship.
“These are very serious allegations and not to be taken lightly which is why I’ve taken the day to consider how to respond,” Hardwick said in a statement, via Deadline. “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.”
Dykstra said her ex-boyfriend emotionally abused her, regularly sexually assaulted her, and tried to blacklist her from Hollywood after their relationship ended.
“I knew it was unlikely people would choose to believe me over a cheery-sounding famous guy,” Dykstra wrote. “All it would do to properly come forward was hurt me. And guess what? It will probably hurt me now too, despite the #MeToo movement. We’ve come a long way, but we still have a ways to go.”
But according to Hardwick, who was never named in Dykstra’s post, Dykstra’s infidelity was the reason the relationship ended.
“When we were living together, I found out that Chloe had cheated on me, and I ended the relationship,” Hardwick said. “For several weeks after we broke up, she asked to get back together with me and even told me she wanted to have kids with me, ‘build a life’ with me and told me that I was ‘the one,’ but I did not want to be with someone who was unfaithful. I’m devastated to read that she is now accusing me of conduct that did not occur. l 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.”
Nerdist also released a statement on its website, saying “We were shocked to read the news this morning. Nerdist prides itself on being an inclusive company made up of a positive, diverse community of people who come together to share, celebrate, and discuss the things we love. That type of behavior is contrary to everything we stand for and believe in, and we absolutely don’t tolerate discrimination, harassment, and other forms of abuse.”
The site also said Hardwick hasn’t had any operational involvement since his contract expired in December 2017, and all references to Hardwick as the site’s founder have been removed from the website.
If you are a victim of sexual assault or want more information on sexual assault, contact the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). For more information about eating disorders or to speak with a someone confidentially, contact the National Eating Disorders Organization.