Ryan Seacrest will host Oscars pre-show after accuser went public
Seacrest has denied the former personal stylist’s allegations and dismissed Variety’s article as ‘salacious’.
Ryan Seacrest will host an Oscars pre-show from the red carpet of the 90th Academy Awards despite a former colleague going public with an allegation of sexual harassment.
US channel E! confirmed the television presenter and producer will host the show on Sunday as stars arrive at the Dolby Theatre for the biggest night in Hollywood.
Seacrest, who hosts American Idol, made the allegation public himself in November when he denied the “reckless” allegations and insisted he is an “advocate for women”.
It has been questioned whether stars at the awards ceremony will be comfortable being seen talking to Seacrest, as the industry faces a reckoning over sexual harassment and abuse.
E! said an “extremely comprehensive” investigation using an external lawyer had found “insufficient evidence to substantiate allegations against Seacrest”.
After Variety published the article, Seacrest criticised it as “salacious” and praised the Time’s Up and Me Too movements that were ignited by Harvey Weinstein’s downfall.
“I don’t want to accuse anyone of not telling the truth but in this case, I have no choice but to again deny the claims against me, remind people that I was recused of any wrongdoing, and put the matter to rest,” the 43-year-old added.
The allegation against Seacrest was lodged as high-profile entertainment industry figures including Kevin Spacey and Louis CK faced allegations of sexual misconduct.
