Chris Hardwick has another woman in his corner amid allegations that he sexually assaulted ex-girlfriend, Chloe Dykstra.
Andrea Savage, who dated Hardwick from 2002 to 2003, is the latest to come forward and defend the talk show host.
“I’ve known Chris for over 15 years. We dated years and years ago,” Savage, who has remained close with Hardwick, told People. “He is one of the kindest, most supportive, women-supporting, intelligent people I’ve ever met.”
Savage, 45, said Dykstra’s alleged experiences don’t resemble her relationship with the Nerdist founder.
“None of this rang true in terms of my experience with him,” she added. “He’s truly one of the least controlling people. That’s not the Chris I know.”
After Dykstra’s essay, which didn’t mention Hardwick by name, was published, Savage reached out to him.
“I was just like, ‘Hey, I’m sure you’re having a really, really terrible day. Just wanted to say you have support out there if you need it,'” she recalled.
Savage said she decided to come forward out of concern for the #MeToo movement, which she thinks is taking a dangerous turn.
“I feel like we’re suddenly in this environment where people are able to publicly name and accuse you of things, but then nobody else is allowed to give their experience with that person and defend their character,” she explained. “If you’re a woman and you say something like this, you’re not supportive of women and against the MeToo movement. If you’re a man, forget it, you can’t say anything.”
Hardwick’s wife, Lydia Hearst, also came out in his defense, saying he “is the only person who has stood by me, never judged me, helped me heal, and feel whole.”
His former fiancée, Jacinda Barrett, also voiced her support for him.