Chris Hardwick is back at work after being accused of sexual abuse.
The comedian returned to “Talking Dead” for the first time on Sunday following an investigation into allegations from ex-girlfriend Chloe Dykstra, who claimed that he was emotionally and sexually abusive during their relationship.
“Hi. Uh, you know, normally I recap the show we’re about to talk about here. But instead, I really just want to take a minute and I want to say that I am so appreciative to be standing here right now,” Hardwick, 46, said at the top of Sunday’s show. “I want to thank you, ‘The Walking Dead‘ community, for all of your support these last couple of months.”
“You know, this show is not just a job to me. This is — this is a vital part of my life, you know, and this has been a sanctuary these last seven years we’ve been here,” he continued. “This has been with me through good times and bad times and I have so much gratitude to you, the fans, and the producers, and the amazing casts of both of these shows, you know, for allowing me to come here and be a part of this community every week. This is what this is. This a community.”
Yvette Nicole Brown, who had stepped in as a guest host of AMC’s “Walking Dead” Comic-Con panel and served as interim host of “Talking Dead” during Hardwick’s absence, also appeared on Sunday’s episode.
Hardwick’s heartfelt speech comes on the heels of reports that “Talking Dead” staffers quit upon hearing the news that he would return to the show.
Dykstra, 29, alleged in an essay — in which she didn’t name Hardwick — that Hardwick prohibited her from having male friends or going out at night during their tempestuous relationship, and that she was “always expected to be ready for him” sexually.
Hardwick admitted their relationship was toxic but denied all allegations of abuse.
Dykstra refused to participate in AMC’s investigation into her accusations.
Hardwick’s wife, Lydia Hearst, came to his defense, as did ex-girlfriends Jacinda Barrett and Andrea Savage, while actress Jaimie Alexander petitioned for Hardwick’s reinstatement.