Ryan Seacrest has opened up about the sexual harassment allegations made against him last year by a former stylist.
The TV personality wrote a guest column for The Hollywood Reporter this week following reports that an E! investigation into the accusations found insufficient evidence to support the woman’s claims.
‘In November, I received a letter from a lawyer representing a former show stylist. She claimed that I mistreated her more than a decade ago when we worked together,’ the 43-year-old producer writes.
‘To have my workplace conduct questioned was gut-wrenching. I’ve always aimed to treat all of my colleagues with honesty, respect, kindness and compassion.’ he continues.
Speaking out: Ryan Seacrest has opened up about being wrongly accused last year of workplace misconduct by a former stylist
The American Idol host explains that even though he was confident of his innocence he knew his name would automatically join the growing list of those accused of ‘despicable words and deeds’.
He writes: ‘I absolutely want to be part of the change, the progress, that is coming. I did not want to be a postscript of evidence of its cause.’
Ryan recalled the moment in November that he shared the legal letter with the network before making a public statement denying the allegations.
He continues: ‘On Feb. 1, I received notice that an independent third party found the claims to be unsubstantiated and that there was no evidence of wrongdoing on my part.’
‘To have my workplace conduct questioned was gut-wrenching’ The E! presenter said of the moment he found out about allegations. He is pictured on American Idol in 2007, around the time the unnamed woman claims the mistreatment took place
Ryan writes that he wants everyone, accusers and alleged accused, to be given the opportunity for a ‘swift and fair review’.
The radio host goes on to vow that he will ‘help voices be heard’.
‘It isn’t lost on me that my platforms — radio, TV, social media — can be powerful conduits for change.’ he writes.
The E! presenter concluded his piece writing: ‘We all have the right to be treated equally, regardless of our gender, race, faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or other status. We find ourselves in extraordinary times in American culture.
An E! investigation into Seacrest, pictured at the Grammys last week, found ‘insufficient evidence’ to support claims he sexually harassed a former wardrobe stylist
‘We live with near constant change, disruption and public discourse. I realize the morals and values, the decency, we’ve perhaps taken for granted, individually and as citizens of the world, are in question. Worse, at risk. I do not take these things for granted.’
Ryan’s column came after it was reported last week that an E! investigation into the star found ‘insufficient evidence’ to support the claims made by his former employee.
The investigation was launched in November after the stylist accused the TV host of misconduct related to an incident that allegedly took place roughly 10 years ago.
‘E! has now concluded the investigation into allegations regarding Ryan Seacrest,’ a network spokesperson said on Thursday.
‘The investigation, conducted by outside counsel, found insufficient evidence to support the claims against Seacrest and therefore could not be substantiated. E! is committed to providing a safe working environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.’
E! announced it was conducting an internal investigation after the wardrobe stylist complained that the TV host had behaved ‘inappropriately toward her’ around a decade ago
E! announced it was conducting an internal investigation after the wardrobe stylist complained that the TV host had behaved ‘inappropriately toward her’ around a decade ago.
No details were released about the specifics of the allegations but Seacrest spoke out to publicly deny the claims after the stylist reportedly asked him to pay for her silence, a source told The Hollywood Reporter.
In a statement in November, Seacrest said: ‘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. I treat all my colleagues with kindness, dignity, and understanding, as this is a principle that’s core to who I am.
Seacrest spoke out to publicly in November to deny the claims after the stylist reportedly asked him to pay for her silence. He is pictured speaking at a Gala last week
‘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.’
The host of Live With Kelly and Ryan and On Air With Ryan Seacrest, was previously said to have declined her ‘substantial financial ask’ via his lawyers.
It was reported by TMZ that the woman initially demanded he pay her $15million to stop her going to the press.
According to a report, a lawyer for the woman – who worked as Seacrest’s stylist between 2007 and 2010 – was told the request would not be met.
Ryan is currently dating model Shayna Taylor. The duo are pictured at a Gala together in April 2017