Newly cleared of a sexual harassment charge, Ryan Seacrest is opening up about what it’s like to face false claims of misconduct in the era of #MeToo.
On Thursday, E! announced the network’s outside counsel, hired to conduct an investigation into a former wardrobe stylist’s claim that Seacrest sexually harassed her nearly ten years ago, found “insufficient evidence” to substantiate the woman’s allegation.
By Tuesday, Seacrest had submitted to The Hollywood Reporter an op-ed about his experience battling what he maintains is a false accusation in the current media climate. “To have my workplace conduct questioned was gut-wrenching,” he wrote. “I’ve always aimed to treat all of my colleagues with honesty, respect, kindness and compassion. 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.”
As #MeToo barreled through the entertainment industry late last year, for a time it seemed as though the mere allegation of wrongdoing was treated more like a guilty sentence in some corners of the media. In his Hollywood Reporter op-ed, Seacrest alluded to that impulse, cautioning against unfair processes of adjudication.
“Most of us agree that the presumption of innocence is an important standard,” said Seacrest. “We are taught early on that it’s essential to see all sides, to give everyone a chance to explain and to check for exculpatory evidence that may have been missed. 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.”
It’s inevitable that more cases like Seacrest’s will emerge as #MeToo continues its much-needed upheaval of Hollywood, making his insights a valuable contribution to the conversation. (Perhaps in the future, Seacrest could lend his support to the many men facing false accusations of sexual assault on college campuses, often without the benefit of fair investigations like the one he was afforded.)
