Chloe Dykstra just called out an abusive ex, and Twitter strongly suspects it’s Nerdist creator Chris Hardwick
On Thursday, June 14th, actress and cosplayer Chloe Dykstra published a powerful personal essay in Medium that delved into her experience with a past abusive relationship. Dykstra, who didn’t name any names, said the man in question was about 20 years older than she was, and described him as someone who started out as “a mildly successful podcaster” who eventually became “a powerhouse CEO of his own company.”
And again, while Dykstra, 29, never revealed an identity, Twitter was quick to suspect her former boyfriend, podcaster (and now CEO) Chris Hardwick. Hardwick, 46, is perhaps best known for hosting the interview podcast The Nerdist, and in recent years created Nerdist Industries, which includes podcasts about popular TV shows and a YouTube station devoted to a variety of pop culture topics.
Before beginning her story, the TV personality made it clear she wasn’t writing the essay to point fingers. “I want this to be two things. Number One: Closure. I’m approaching my thirties, finding stability, and quite simply, I want this out of me. But more importantly, Number Two: A warning. Emotional abuse is a very common thing. More common than you’d think,” she wrote (emphasis her own).
Dykstra went on to note that the man knocked down her confidence daily, forbid her to have male friends or drink, and expected her to be “waiting” for him when he came home each night, often forcing her to have sex with him even when she told him she didn’t want to (and sometimes while she was in tears).
“I was terrified to piss him off — so I did what he said, including let him sexually assault me. Regularly. I was expected to be ready for him when he came home from work," she wrote in the essay, entitled "Rose-Colored Glasses: A Confession."
She noted that the relationship lasted three years (during which she was also coping with an eating disorder), and when it ended, her “self-worth was in the toilet.”
Many on Twitter feel certain she’s provided enough information for fans to connect the dots to Hardwick, who’s currently married to Lydia Hearst (daughter of Patty Hearst). Several of Hardwick’s employees have even already parted ways with the company in the wake of the essay.
As of today I no longer write for @nerdist. The editorial staff is absolutely fantastic but I don't want my work or name affiliated in any way with Chris Hardwick. https://t.co/QJuZDo821T
— Scott Weinberg (@scottEmovienerd) June 15, 2018
Fuck Chris Hardwick. The only shocking part is that this didn't come out sooner and it isn't happening more often, because he is HARDLY the only male professional nerd entertainment journalist like this. Plenty of z-list Hardwick wannabes are the same way.
— Cher Martinetti (@thecherness) June 15, 2018
major, major TW on this for abuse, disordered eating and assault. Chris Hardwick is a monster and @skydart is brave as hell for speaking out, especially about how emotional abuse works https://t.co/U4vO9HFK9c
— the joey chestnut of elote (@rachelmillman) June 15, 2018
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We believe and stand with @skydart Chris Hardwick, you're over.https://t.co/Z5X5mFaQFw pic.twitter.com/ryJ5QnCIGj
— The Mary Sue (@TheMarySue) June 15, 2018
Bye Chris Hardwick.
— Brandon Bird (@Brandon_Bird) June 15, 2018
Today is going to be an ugly one in the nerd entertainment writer field, as we get to see exactly who stands with Chris Hardwick and who believes women as a matter of course.
— Ani-Bundel, Scribbler-At-Law (@anibundel) June 15, 2018
Dykstra posted the following on Twitter today, June 15th, in response to the outpouring of support:
I quietly posted an article today, unlisted on Medium. It clearly made the rounds. I’m overwhelmed and I want to thank all of you for your support and kind words- they mean so much to me. I may take some time off the internet, please know your support means everything to me.
— Chloe Dykstra (@skydart) June 15, 2018
Meanwhile, Legendary Digital Networks, which technically owns Nerdist, released the following statement today, June 15th:
"Chris Hardwick had no operational involvement with Nerdist for the two years preceding the expiration of his contract in December 2017. He no longer has any affiliation with Legendary Digital Networks. The company has removed all reference to Mr. Hardwick even as the original Founder of Nerdist pending further investigation."
We stand with Dykstra — and all who come forward with their experiences of abuse — and applaud her for speaking her truth. We’re certain it will help so many others recognize the power of their voice and, if they so choose, to seek the justice they deserve.
