Talking Dead staffers quit over Chris Hardwick's return following domestic abuse claims

A female executive producer and a 'handful' of approximately 25 people staffers have departed the show

(Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Chris Hardwick's return to AMC's Talking Dead, following accusations of sexual and emotional abuse, has seen several staffers on the show leave in response to the decision.

The Wrap reports a female executive producer and a "handful" of approximately 25 people staffers have departed the show, which acts as a wrap-up discussion accompanying new episodes of The Walking Dead, after Hardwick was reinstated last month.

The host was temporarily dropped from Talking Dead in June after Chloe Dykstra published an essay including allegations of emotional and sexual abuse directed at a former boyfriend, who is strongly believed to be Hardwick.

Hardwick was allowed to return to the show following an investigation by AMC into the allegations. “We take these matters very seriously and given the information available to us after a very careful review, including interviews with numerous individuals, we believe returning Chris to work is the appropriate step,” the network said in a statement. AMC has declined to comment about the departures.

Shortly after the essay was published, Harwick issued a statement denying the claims and stating 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.”

Following his return, Hardwick reportedly gathered Talking Dead staff in what was described as a "very emotional" meeting on Wednesday to apologise for the turmoil surrounding his temporary departure, in which his behaviour was described as "apologetic and contrite". He also reportedly offered one-to-one meetings with crew members to address any further concerns.

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