Ryan Seacrest has preemptively denied sexual misconduct allegations brought against him by a wardrobe stylist at E! News. The 42-year-old host released a statement on the matter earlier this week, before the alleged victim went public.
“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,” said Seacrest, who worked at E! News from 2006-2012. “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. 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.”
According to Deadline, E! is investigating the stylist’s claims internally. A source told the publication the accuser asked for “a substantial amount of money to keep quiet.” Seacrest reportedly declined the woman’s offer through his attorneys, as he was “weary of the implications of guilt baked into acquiescing to such a financial demand.”
The details of the stylist’s claims haven’t been made public. The allegations against Seacrest arrive more than a month after film producer Harvey Weinstein was accused of sexual assault and harassment by multiple women. Since then, Hollywood has been rocked by a wave of sexual misconduct claims against industry figures, including Kevin Spacey, Ed Westwick, Brett Ratner, James Toback, George Takei, Richard Dreyfuss, and Murray Miller.
