Chloe Dykstra, who accused AMC talk show host Chris Hardwick of sexual assault and extremely controlling behavior, issued a statement following Hardwick’s reinstatement as the host of AMC’s Talking Dead.
AMC reinstated Hardwick after a lengthy investigation which apparently did not turn up any sufficient evidence to support her claims of sexual assault.
Dykstra posted a statement on Twitter as her response, where she relayed that she didn’t actually participate in AMC’s investigation. She also does not name Chris Hardwick.
I originally wrote my essay so I could move on with my life, and now I intend to do so. Thank you, again, to those who have supported me during this. pic.twitter.com/sjBEKGpY7v
— Chloe Dykstra (@skydart) July 26, 2018
Here’s the full text:
“I have been adamant since I came forward with my essay that I never set out to ruin the career of the person I spoke about. I could have provided more details, but chose not to. I have said what I wanted to say on the matter, and I wish to move on with my life. For that reason, I chose not to participate in the investigation against the person I spoke of. I do not believe in an eye for an eye, and therefore I have only shared my evidence with those who I felt should see it.
What I wanted was for the people around me who heard a false narrative – one that was created to hurt me and my career – to know the truth. More importantly though, I know how insidious emotional abuse is and felt compelled to share my story so others might not feel so alone.
Regarding closure, I wish I had been able to have had a private conversation with the person I spoke about in my essay. Reaching out to him over text made me vulnerable, and ultimately ended up in a tabloid article where said texts were chopped up and spun to discredit me.
With the circus moving out of town, I intend to focus on the subject I originally wanted to shed light on: emotional abuse. I plan to continue this conversation and intend to work with institutions like RAINN and other support groups for survivors.
I hope that the hatred, the name calling, the death threats can go away and we can return to productive discourse. My love to everyone.”
The reactions to her statement were mixed to say the least.
Proud to be friends with you, Chloe. You make me a better person. ?
— 께리~ (@MizaRadioaktiv) July 26, 2018
If you didn’t want to ruin his career then why call him out ? Sounds fishy
— Ty (@greengodtyler) July 27, 2018
She hasn’t used his name and she has explicitly said at least twice now that she needed to do this for closure. pic.twitter.com/4RdUnnXZIm
— Not That E Harmony (@kirara367) July 27, 2018
He can’t simply “move on”. It was obvious who she was describing in her accusation posted for the world to see that she destroyed his reputation and his TV shows were shelved. If he didn’t say anything, people would say “he’s not denying it, so it’s true”.
— Tweet Bill: Vol. 1 (@BILLYonaire_GSN) July 27, 2018
A final reminder: nobody has proven she was lying. AMC’s law firm was paid to do an “assessment”, it also has ties to the Hearst family and decided to give him his job back. That’s all that happened. Present the evidence as to why we should *not* believe her or shut up. pic.twitter.com/F2ZcDRlyQ9
— Chaz Harris (@chazharris) July 27, 2018
Glad you decided to wanted to “move on” after all these years only once he was married and at the peak of his career. You have evidence but won’t say? You sound like a lying little kid who says that have a spaceship at home but we can’t come see it.
— Ether (@EtherealWhsprs) July 27, 2018
Yes, nor do they seek out personal conversations with the person who allegedly did them so much harm. I am not saying she didn’t believe abuse existed there, but the personal meeting makes it suspect to me. Want closure? Write a letter to that person, don’t publish an article.
— Canonist – #IStandForJ2 – #J2Family (@Mensa_Erika) July 27, 2018
By writing an article she opened herself up to further abuse by persons who should not have been included in her closure. I am just saying that her statements and methods are suspect. I have the right to my opinions so do you.
— Canonist – #IStandForJ2 – #J2Family (@Mensa_Erika) July 27, 2018
I support you
I supported you the day you spoke up & I support you today❤️Learn from your past &grow from the mistakes you made
Know what type of treatment you will NOT tolerate from a man & SET THAT BAR HIGH!
I wish you nothing but the best, Chloe #FromOneSurvivorToAnother
— ?~Amy Harrell~??♀️?? (@amyhcmc) July 27, 2018
When one user suggested burning Hardwick to the ground, Dykstra responded:
I made peace with it. I’ve never been interested in vengeance, just closure. At this point, after everything, I just want the bullying (both of myself and others) to stop. It’s clear why people are terrified to come forward, and now I’m just hoping to return to a “normal” life.
— Chloe Dykstra (@skydart) July 27, 2018
What do you make of Dykstra’s statement? Do you believe her story or do you think she tried to smear Chris Hardwick?