4:52 PM PST 11/17/2017 by Lacey Rose
Ryan Seacrest is the latest entertainer to be accused of misconduct.
The claim comes from a former E! wardrobe stylist, who has come forward to allege that Seacrest behaved inappropriately toward her during his tenure at E! News nearly a decade ago. While the contents of her accusation are not yet public, Seacrest has opted to speak out, strongly disputing the allegations, and will fully cooperate with the investigation into the matter that is currently taking place at E!
“Recently, someone that worked as a wardrobe stylist for me nearly a decade ago at E! News, came forward with a complaint suggesting I behaved inappropriately toward her. If I made her feel anything but respected, I am truly sorry. I dispute these reckless allegations and I plan to cooperate with any corporate inquiries that may result,” Seacrest’s statement reads.
“I treat all my colleagues with kindness, dignity, and understanding, as this is a principle that’s core to who I am. Throughout my 25 years in the entertainment industry, the majority of my co-workers have been women, and I’ve endeavored to foster a positive work environment of mutual respect and courtesy, as that’s how I believe it should be,” he adds. “I’m distraught that anyone or any situation would call that into question. I’m proud of my workplace reputation, and believe my track record will speak for itself. I’m an advocate for women. I will continue to support their voices.”
The longtime host, who has projects and partners across the media landscape, is not commenting on the specifics of the allegations, which were made roughly a week ago. The alleged victim is said to have, through her representation, made a substantial financial ask in exchange for her silence, which, a source tells The Hollywood Reporter, Seacrest declined via his lawyers.
The news comes amid a wave of sexual-harassment allegations that have rocked Hollywood over the past month-plus, beginning with back-to-back bombshell reports in The New York Times and The New Yorker that detailed allegations of sexual assault by Harvey Weinstein.