Thor franchise actor Jaimie Alexander has voiced her support for entertainment personality Chris Hardwick via Twitter. Hardwick was recently accused of sexual assault by actor and cosplayer Chloe Dykstra, who is Hardwick’s ex. According to Alexander’s statement, she has chosen to side with Hardwick after having known him for over a decade.
“Guys — I’ve known Chris Hardwick for over 10 years,” Alexander said. “I knew him through his breakup with said accuser. With the personal knowledge I have regarding this situation I am choosing to follow my heart, my instincts, and support my friend. “
Guys- I’ve know. Chris Hardwick for over 10 years. I knew him through his breakup with said accuser. With the personal knowledge I have regarding this situation I am choosing to follow my heart, my instincts, and support my friend.
— Jaimie Alexander (@JaimieAlexander) June 28, 2018
Dykstra posted her account of Hardwick’s abuse to her Medium account in June. In her post, Dykstra claims Hardwick forbade her from going out at night, keeping male friends, drinking alcohol, speaking in public places or taking pictures of themselves together. Dykstra also claims Hardwick initiated sex when she had not consented.
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Since the accusations were levied, Hardwick has been disavowed by the entertainment news network he founded in 2010, Nerdist, and had his panels at San Diego Comic-Con International pulled. Hardwick is perhaps best known for his role as host on The Walking Dead post-show talk show The Talking Dead. In light of Dykstra’s accusations, AMC has pulled Talking with Chris Hardwick from its lineup. NBC has also stated that it will “assess” Hardwick’s role as host of the game show The Wall.
Alexander also endorsed a Change.org petition that demands AMC reinstate Hardwick to his hosting duties. The petition’s description is a somewhat nebulous one, calling out fatigue over “Hollywood Accusations” (likely a reference to the #MeToo social media movement that has revealed some of the worst serial predators in the film and television industry) and asking that signees rally behind the goal to “bring Chris Hardwick Back.” The petition also includes a link to a purchase apparel bearing the slogan “I Stand With Chris Hardwick #istandwithchrishardwick.”
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Alexander joins a small chorus of personalities in the entertainment industry who maintain Hardwick’s innocence. Recently, Hardwick’s wife, Lydia Hearst, voiced support for her husband, claiming Hardwick is “nothing but loving and compassionate.” Hardwick has also responded to the allegations against him.
Alexander is perhaps best known among comic book fans for her role in the Thor franchise as the Asgardian warrior Sif. Most recently, she plays Jane Doe on the television series Blindspot.