Yahoo News Chris Hardwick pulls out of Doctor Who Comic-Con panel
Chris Hardwick has pulled out of hosting the Doctor Who panel at Comic-Con International in San Diego following allegations that he sexually and emotionally abused his ex-girlfriend Chloe Dykstra during their relationship.
AMC's The Talking Dead host and Nerdist co-founder Hardwick has denied the allegations.
He was due to host the panel, which is set to feature the first ever female Doctor, Jodie Whittaker, as well as co-stars Tosin Cole and Mandip Gill, who play Ryan and Yasmin, at the convention when it takes place in July.
Award-winning series showrunner Chris Chibnall (Broadchurch) and executive producer Matt Strevens (An Adventure In Space And Time) are also set to be attending the panel too.
Following the allegations, AMC has announced it has pulled Talking with Chris Hardwick from its schedules.
"We have had a positive working relationship with Chris Hardwick for many years," said AMC in a statement. "We take the troubling allegations that surfaced yesterday very seriously."
It continued: "While we assess the situation, Talking with Chris Hardwick will not air on AMC, and Chris has decided to step aside from moderating planned AMC and BBC America panels at Comic-Con International in San Diego next month."
[Hardwick and Dykstra]
On Friday (June 15), Hardwick's former girlfriend – 29-year-old actress Dykstra, posted an unlisted essay on Medium detailing allegations of facing years of emotional and sexual abuse at the hands of an unnamed boyfriend, whom she described as someone who went from a "podcaster to a powerhouse CEO of his own company".
In a statement released later on Friday, Hardwick said that he is "heartbroken" by Dykstra's post and strongly denies any allegations of sexual assault.
"These are very serious allegations and not to be taken lightly which is why I've taken the day to consider how to respond," said Hardwick in a statement.
"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."
Want up-to-the-minute entertainment news and features? Just hit 'Like' on ourDigital Spy Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @digitalspy Twitter account and you're all set.
You Might Also Like
