Chris Hardwick’s Wife Makes Statement After Chloe Dykstra’s Accusations of Sexual Assault

Chris Hardwick and Lydia Hearst
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 10: Chris Hardwick (L) and Lydia Hearst attend the premiere of Disney Pictures and Lucasfilm's "Solo: A Star Wars Story" at the El Capitan Theatre on May 10, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Chris Hardwick’s wife, Lydia Hearst, broke her silence and defended her husband who was accused of sexual assault by his ex-girlfriend Chloe Dykstra.

In a statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Hearst writes:

“This is not a statement in defense; this is a statement of defense — defense for all the women who have been sexually abused, raped, trafficked and tortured; defense of all the people who this movement was started for. Over the last year, the #MeToo movement has rightly aimed a spotlight directly on women whose stories needed to be told. As someone who has been involved in toxic relationships in the past, I know firsthand the importance of sharing these stories and do not take this situation lightly.

I have made the decision to come out in support of my husband not out of obligation, but out of necessity to speak the truth about the person I know. Chris is nothing but loving and compassionate and is the only person who has stood by me, never judged me, helped me heal and feel whole. To defend my husband would be giving credence to any of these accusations. I will not do that. Chris Hardwick is a good man.

I believe that the truth will always win. #TimesUp because I know my truth and I believe in due process.”

It’s a powerful statement capped off by stating she believes in “due process.” And that’s something that has been missing in many of the discussions about #MeToo. Due process is simply ignored and people are tried and judged in the court of public opinion based off of accusations. We must get back to our roots as a society and country and remember that we believe in due process and we believe in innocent until proven guilty.

Hardwick had previously denied the allegations:

“These are very serious allegations and not to be taken lightly which is why I’ve taken the day to consider how to respond. 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.

When we were living together, I found out that Chloe cheated on me, and I ended the relationship. For several weeks after we broke up, she asked me to get back together 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. 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.”

TMZ uncovered text messages between Hardwick and Dykstra which appear to corroborate Hardwick’s version of events.

No charges have been filed, but Hardwick has lost a number of employment opportunities since Dykstra’s accusations. His Talking with Chris Hardwick show on AMC was cancelled and AMC also dropped him from moderating two panels at San Diego Comic-Con in July. He was also dropped from a comedy festival where he was expected to perform.

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