Chloe Dykstra alleges 'longterm' abuse in post believed to be about ex-boyfriend Chris Hardwick

Actress Chloe Dykstra has published an essay which details a campaign of abuse by a former boyfriend.

While she does not name the man involved, the article is strongly believed to be about Chris Hardwick, the host of AMC’s show Talking Dead and the founder of Nerdist. Shortly after the essay was published, Harwick issued a statement denying the claims.

Dykstra describes how the unnamed ex quickly established certain rules which restricted her social life, having male friends, or speaking in public. She also claims her ex-partner emotionally and sexually assaulted her during the relationship.

She alleges that when she broke up with him, he and a female colleague successfully worked to blacklist her from the film and TV industry, claiming they called companies she had been employed by “to get me fired by threatening to never work with them”.

While never calling out Hardwick directly by name, the cast member of Syfy’s Heroes of Cosplay included several details in her post about the “mildly successful podcaster” who became “a powerhouse CEO of his own company” along with their age difference: details which match up to Hardwick, who announced his break-up with Dykstra in 2014.

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Hardwick denied the allegations and said he was “heartbroken” by them in a statement issued to Deadline.

“These are very serious allegations and not to be taken lightly which is why I’ve taken the day to consider how to respond,” he said.

“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.

“When we were living together, I found out that Chloe had cheated on me, and I ended the relationship,” he said.

“For several weeks after we broke up, she asked to get back together with me and even told me she wanted to have kids with me, ‘build a life’ with me and told me that I was ‘the one,’ but I did not want to be with someone who was unfaithful.

“I’m devastated to read that she is now accusing me of conduct that did not occur. l was blindsided by her post and always wanted the best for her. As a husband, a son, and future father, I do not condone any kind of mistreatment of women.”

Nerdist owners Legendary Entertainment has removed Hardwick’s biography and name from the site he founded.

“Chris Hardwick had no operational involvement with Nerdist for the two years preceding the expiration of his contract in December 2017,” Legendary said.

“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.”

Hardwick is currently scheduled to appear at San Diego Comic-Con to moderate the inaugural panel of first female Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker, and the Hall H return of The Walking Dead.