Chris Hardwick Responds to Ex-Girlfriend Chloe Dykstra's Sexual Abuse Allegations
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After actress Chloe Dykstra wrote a heartbreaking essay for Medium, detailing a sexual abusive relationship with an ex-boyfriend 20 years her senior, Chris Hardwick's name quickly climbed to the top of the suspect list.
On Friday night, hours after Dykstra's claims made the rounds in the media, Hardwick offered his side of the story to Deadline, after taking time to carefully respond to the "very serious allegations" lodged against him.
Though he admits their relationship was not perfect, Hardwick maintains his innocence. "I was heartbroken to read Chloe’s post. Our three year relationship was not perfect—we were ultimately not a good match and argues—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,” he said.
In the lengthy statement, he continues to describe their relationship, claiming that Dykstra cheated on him.
“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.”
Dykstra's allegations came as a shock to the comedian, who is now married to model Lydia Hearst. "I’m devastated to read that she is now accusing me of conduct that did not occur,” Hardwick added. “I 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.”
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In Dykstra's essay, titled " Rose-Colored Glasses: A Confession," she recounts painful memories and the toll the relationship took on her. "I was expected to be ready for him when he came home from work. Every night, I laid there for him, occasionally in tears. He called it ‘starfishing.’ He thought the whole idea was funny,” she recalled.
The flame-haired actress continued: "I generally stopped speaking unless spoken to while with him, drifting through life like a ghost," she said. "I would try to sleep in as late as possible so my days were shorter. I stopped listening to music entirely. I ceased to be. I was an ex-person." At one point, she even considered suicide.
Dykstra alleges she has proof to back up her claims of abuse, saying: "The person I used to date would try to sue me due to pride—I would not recommend it. I have audio/video that will support and prove many of the things I’ve stated in this post. I’ve chosen not to include it for your sake, in the hopes that the person you’ve become will do the right thing.”
