Ryan Seacrest Pens Open Letter on Recent Sexual Misconduct Claims: “To Have My Workplace Conduct Questioned Was Gut-Wrenching”

– blogged by: @ashleytearra

They say that there are two sides to every story, and Ryan Seacrest has finally decided to tell his side.

In November, a former wardrobe stylist accused Seacrest of sexual misconduct while working with him on the set of E! News about a decade ago. Following the accusations, the renowned TV host and radio personality spoke out to address, dispute, and deny all claims, referring to them as “reckless” and agreeing to “cooperate” with any legal action taken.

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Specific details of the allegations were not made public, but it is rumored that the woman demanded a large cash amount to keep quiet. However, Seacrest and his lawyers declined her request.

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Now, nearly three months later, the investigation into the accuser’s case against Seacrest has suddenly ended, due to “insufficient evidence” to support the plaintiff’s claims.

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After the relieving news broke, Seacrest penned an open letter under a guest column for The Hollywood Reporter. In the letter, titled, “What Happened After I Was Wrongly Accused of Harassment”, the 43-year-old actually admits that the whole situation was quite “gut-wrenching.”

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“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 writes. “Yet, I knew, regardless of the confidence I had that there was no merit to the allegations, my name would likely soon appear on the lists of those suspected of despicable words and deeds. The pressures of our overflowing newsfeeds would insist on it.”

Seacrest later expressed his support of the #TimesUp/#MeToo movement. He also stated the importance of giving everyone an equal opportunity to have a voice, whether it be the accuser or the accused.

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“At a time when improper interactions between men and women, particularly in the workplace, are part of a national conversation, we must find a way to ensure that everyone–the public, private and public institutions, accusers and alleged accused–is given the opportunity for a swift and fair review. My job is to listen. Beyond listening, which I will continue in earnest, I also will ask questions and try to help voices be heard.”