Chicago Journalists to honor Dorothy Tucker with Lifetime Achievement Award; Kelly Bauer as Journalist of the Year, My childhood dream became the honor of a lifetime, Robservations: Sun-Times moving to Old Post Office; ABC 7 opens weekend anchor slot; Medill tracks local news decline, Robservations: StreetWise raises cover price; Sventoonie takes a break; Friends of Chicago Reporter mark 50. Sources confirmed he had two years left on his contract with Hubbard Radio. HUBBARD says, The attention devoted to these inflammatory employment-related allegations is gratuitous and designed to distract the Court from the weakness of their defamation claims and smear HUBBARD in the court of public opinion. DeNicolo worked at the radio station known as The Mix for nearly 20 years. She described him as a serial abuser of women and said management failed to respond and then forced her out when she demanded that the alleged harassment stop. He and former partner Kathy Hart were inducted in the Radio Hall of Fame in 2016. After hosting mornings for 25 years, Fergusons star came crashing down after multiple female employees accused the host of sexual misconduct. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. MCGURREN also brought an EEOC Charge of Discrimination and demand for arbitration against HUBBARD (NET NEWS 10/18). Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. A wonderful woman. Ferguson, who anchored The Mix's morning show for 25 years, left the station Oct. 29 following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and abusive behavior from several women, including a lawsuit from an assistant producer alleging that he had coerced sexual favors from her and then had retaliated against her. Where are you?, Heres every Chicago restaurant spotted during Sydneys food tour in The Bear, Highland Park comes together one year after Fourth of July parade mass shooting, Looking for healthy snacks? Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. I feel that returning to the air at this time, in this environment, will be an unfair distraction to my colleagues and the rest of the morning show members who work so hard. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. According to Robert Feder, a Chicago-based reporter, Jeff. Where are you? She alleged Ferguson would say he needed a backrub as code words for unwanted demands for oral sex. Suit claiming radio personality Eric Ferguson coerced sex from Such complaints are confidential, but her allegations later became public in a court filing that was part of DeNicolos defamation lawsuit. As a result, and after discussions with Hubbard leadership, weve decided it is best that I step away from the show. The men were standing near a car in the 2600 block of West Devon Avenue when someone approached, displayed a gun and demanded their property early Wednesday, police said. Although no longer called "Eric in the Morning," The Mix morning show is expected to continue with his former cohortsBrian Whip Paruch,Nikki Chuminatto and Violeta Podrumedic. Fergusons co-host, Melissa McGurren, who left the station in December 2020 without explanation, later accused Ferguson of workplace harassment thatmadethe radio station a toxicenvironment for women. On Tuesday, former. Friday's comment of the day: Linda Shafran: Deloris MeBain was a sparkling light at NBC Tower. I'm energized to move forward and defend myself against claims made against me and the station, and look forward to seeing them through to their conclusion. Joy Ride: Four friends deliver raunchy laughs in the years funniest movie so far, Vietnam bans Barbie movie due to an illustration showing Chinas territorial claim, Dear Abby: Mom tries to deter her daughter, 22, from moving out, Dear Abby: Man hangs up Green Book as home decor, offending his wife, Catching a 50-inch-plus muskie on the same day for the second straight year, Dad accused of shooting wife, 15-year-old daughter, then chasing son after wounding him. Ferguson's former assistant producer, Cynthia DeNicolo, also said in the lawsuit that station owners retaliated by blocking promotions and ultimately used COVID-19 to terminate her. WTMX Chicago Completes Post-Eric Ferguson Lineup. A new lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Illinois says fewer than 1% of the more than 2.6 million stops made by Chicago police over six years resulted in an arrest or the discovery of illegal drugs or a gun. Try these pairings next time hunger hits, Mass traffic stops that dont stop crime show Chicago sorely needs policing reform, Concealed carry holder shoots robber who pulled gun on him and 2 other men in West Ridge, police say, Winnetka man dies after jumping into Lake Michigan to help children on tube. The Chicago Tribune reported on September 27, 2021, that Ferguson had been sued in May 2021 in Cook County Circuit Court by Cynthia DeNicolo, a former producer on his show, who claimed that Ferguson had abused his power to coerce sexual favors early in her career, and then blocked promotions as punishment after she refused to resume an unwanted . FERGUSON and his former wife, from whom he divorced in 2020, sold their six-bedroom, 8,270-square-foot mansion in HINSDALE in MAY 2020 for $2.9 million. CHICAGO After three women have accused radio host Eric Ferguson of fostering a sexist and hostile work environment, a former 101.9 FM "The Mix" employee is speaking out. What kind of habitat does a Mediterranean house gecko need? Emergency crews were called to the 5600 block of South Ada Street around 5 a.m. Wednesday, fire officials said. Ferguson, a Radio Hall of Famer and once Chicago's highest paid radio personality, stepped down in October after 25 years at The Mix. For many years, Ferguson has grossly abused his power, and his conduct was the major reason the station became a hostile working environment, former co-host Melissa McGurren alleged, labeling him a serial abuser of women.. Not so, Valderrama wrote in his 20-page opinion and order. It was also dismissed in federal court last spring and Valderrama cited the dismissal in support of his recent decision. After hosting mornings for 25 years, Ferguson's star came crashing down after multiple female employees accused the host of sexual misconduct. DeNicolo, who worked at WTMX, the station known as The Mix, for nearly 20 years, was laid off in 2020. Under fire for allegations of sexual misconduct and abusive behavior toward female co-workers, Eric Ferguson announced Friday he's leaving WTMX 101.9-FM after 25 years as morning personality. Statements HUBBARD made in response to DENICOLOs and MCGURRENs suits are at issue in the defamation complaints that HUBBARD now wants to be dismissed. During the time I have been off the air, I have had the chance to take a deep breath and reflect on my 25 years at WTMX, and take pause to consider what I want to do at this point of my life. Her pending suit alleges Ferguson would say he needed a backrub as code words for unwanted demands for oral sex. Dear Abby: How do I tell men nicely that Im not interested? Terms of Ferguson's departure were not disclosed. I have been extremely touched by your unwavering support and kind messages. It will be fun to listen to their success. Jennifer is a Chicago-based dentist. shifting afternoon host Chris Petlak to mornings. She subsequently filed two lawsuits, one against Ferguson and the other against Hubbard. Where are you? Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. To complete the revamped on-air lineup, Allen moves from afternoons back to middays, where she spent seven years before segueing to PM drive. And if they did meet that narrow legal definition, the statements are also reasonably capable of a non-defamatory meaning and should be dismissed under ILLINOIS innocent construction rule. While McGurren, who now hosts mornings on Audacy country WUSN 99.5-FM, continues to pursue her claims against the company in arbitration, the case of Cynthia DeNicolo goes on. In the four-page ruling dated March 1, Guzmn wrote: Taken in context, a reasonable reader would not understand the internal email by England to have been made for the purpose of causing harm to Plaintiffs reputation or lowering her standing in the community, but rather to acknowledge the existence of the EEOC claim, convey to the radio stations employees that the matter is being investigated, and indicate that the radio station does not agree with Plaintiffs interpretation. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged Ferguson had harassed her. Robservations: WGN Radio jumping the gun on turning 100; ABC 7's Judy Hsu, Ryan Chiaverini host Irish parade; Adam Hoge joins CHGO Sports, My childhood dream became the honor of a lifetime, Robservations: Sun-Times moving to Old Post Office; ABC 7 opens weekend anchor slot; Medill tracks local news decline, Robservations: StreetWise raises cover price; Sventoonie takes a break; Friends of Chicago Reporter mark 50. Lawsuit dropped against ex-Chicago radio host Eric Ferguson - CBS News The success we've enjoyed and the gratitude I feel is overwhelming. She was laid off in 2020. The final pieces of the puzzle are now revealed as Casey McCabe and current midday host Jenny Valliere will launch The Afternoon Mix with McCabe & Jenny on Monday, April 18. Moreover, the email does not discuss any particular factual allegations, and the Court disagrees with Plaintiffs position that by referring generally to Plaintiffs EEOC Charge in his email, England was specifically incorporating Plaintiffs numerous factual allegations and branding Plaintiff a liar as to each.. And we are confident of our client's underlying claims against Hubbard and look forward to our hearing in arbitration.". After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. MELISSA MCGURREN, who co-hosted Eric in the Morning during a 22-year stretch at the station, sued FERGUSON alleging a pattern of sexual misconduct. Try these pairings next time hunger hits, Mass traffic stops that dont stop crime show Chicago sorely needs policing reform, Concealed carry holder shoots robber who pulled gun on him and 2 other men in West Ridge, police say, Winnetka man dies after jumping into Lake Michigan to help children on tube. Cook County Judge Daniel Kubasiak signed the order dropping DeNicolos suit June21. The judge wrote the companys statement did not address DeNicolos conduct as an employee or reflect on her job as a radio producer and do not fall in the category of actionable defamation.. In filings made DECEMBER 23rd in US District Court in ILLINOIS, an attorney for HUBBARD said both defamation suits should be tossed because the companys innocuous statements dont fall within any of the strictly defined categories of statements recognized to be defamatory. A similar defamation claim against Hubbard had also been brought by another former co-worker, Melissa McGurren, who claimed Ferguson harassed her. In court filings, four women have alleged misconduct by Ferguson and claimed the company ignored their complaints. What happened to Eric from 101.9 the mix? You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. Really looking forward to being a part of The Mix team and beyond excited to be working alongside Jenny V every afternoon, McCabe said in a release. She also claimed Ferguson engineered her dismissal. Allegations against FERGUSON included a lawsuit from an assistant producer alleging that he had coerced sexual favors from her and then retaliated against her. DeNicolo, who was an associate producer on the morning show for 20 years before she was laid off in 2020, accused Ferguson in a lawsuit of coercing her into performing unwelcome sexual acts in 2004. In response, Jeff England, vice president and market manager of Hubbard Radio Chicago, sent an email to staff published here that read in part: "This is not a new development, and weve thoroughly investigated this matter previously. First published on June 27, 2023 / 11:23 PM. Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: You have permission to edit this article. Ferguson married Jennifer, a dentist from Chicago. Learn More About Kathy Hart Eric went on to become Chicagos No. The court agrees with Hubbard that the statements have nothing to do with DeNicolos conduct on the job.. The house Ferguson just sold had a $20,654 property tax bill in the 2020 tax year. David Eric Ferguson (born January 27, 1967), [1] [2] known professionally as Eric Ferguson, is a former Chicago morning radio personality who hosted a daily show on WTMX -FM for 25 years until 2021. ILLINOIS law strictly limits claims of defamation to statements that are so obviously hurtful on their face that damages are presumed, e.g., accusations of commission of a crime, infection with a communicable disease, or incompetence or malfeasance in ones profession, the filings say. None of these allegations are even remotely relevant to the defamation claims., HUBBARD adds, "What masquerades as a defamation suit is in fact a transparent attempt to publicize a scandalous employment claim, as evidenced by the fact that Plaintiffs Complaint needlessly devotes inordinate attention to the details of DENICOLOs sordid and salacious allegations of sexual misconduct, none of which are relevant or material to Plaintiffs defamation claim., HUBBARD has also brought motions to strike dozens of paragraphs from each of the defamation suits that it calls irrelevant, immaterial, and inflammatory and that it maintains are designed to tarnish the reputation of HUBBARD in the court of public opinion.. [5] Professional career In a complaint filed with the U.S. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. McGurren filed her own federal lawsuit against Hubbard shortly afterward. Lawsuit against former radio host Eric Ferguson dropped. Luke Laidley, 43, was boating with friends off the 200 block of Sheridan Road early Tuesday afternoon when he noticed that the children appeared to be having problems, officials said. Built in 2016, the house also has a family room with a fireplace, a finished basement with a wet bar and a recreation area, a primary bedroom suite with a walk-in closet, and a kitchen with a large center island, quartz countertops, designer lighting and stainless steel appliances, including a wine refrigerator in the butlers pantry. The former morning host at Hubbard Radio hot AC 101.9 The Mix WTMX Chicago has sold his home in suburban Hinsdale for $1.35 million, according to a story in the Chicago Tribune. Where are you?, Heres every Chicago restaurant spotted during Sydneys food tour in The Bear, Highland Park comes together one year after Fourth of July parade mass shooting, Looking for healthy snacks? Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. [4] He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1989. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events, but we are committed to following the appropriate process and not litigating this matter in the public or the press.". And in her $10 million defamation suit filed in OCTOBER, MCGURREN claimed HUBBARD conducted a sham investigation of her allegations and attacked her credibility and integrity with comments it made to WTMX staff. The next hearing in her lawsuit against Ferguson,which asserts claims of intentional infliction of emotionaldistress, is scheduled for Dec. 8. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. Chris Petlak, who co-hosted afternoons on The Mix, was named in January to succeed Ferguson as morning host alongside regular contributors Nikki Chuminatto, Brian Paruch and Violeta Podrumedic and executive producer John Swanson. Under fire for allegations of sexual misconduct and abusive behavior toward female co-workers, Eric Ferguson announced Friday he's leaving WTMX 101.9-FM after 25 years as morning personality. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). According toTHE CHICAGO TRIBUNE. CYNTHIA DENICOLO, a former employee of WTMX filed the first lawsuit against FERGUSON, claiming he abused his power to coerce sexual favors from her early in her career and then prevented her from advancing after she rebuffed efforts to restart an unwanted sexual relationship. She also targeted HUBBARD in a complaint to the EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION, shortly after leaving the station in DECEMBER 2020. Like McGurren, DeNicolo sued Hubbard for defamation after the company said it found no evidence to corroborate allegations of illegal workplace conduct. Hubbard attorneys are seeking to have that suit dismissed as well. "I am confident that at the end of the day the courts will rule and the right outcome will prevail.. Ferguson and his former wife, from whom he divorced in 2020, sold their six-bedroom, 8,270-square-foot mansion in Hinsdale in May 2020 for $2.9 million. The judge also ordered Ferguson and DeNicolo to pay their own attorneys fees. Federal judges determined the claims didnt rise to the level of defamation, and thesuits were dismissed. Jun 27, 2023 at 3:58 pm. When Melissa McGurren left her job co-hosting Eric Fergusons popular morning radio show in December, she said the truth will come out about her unexplained departure from the station known as The Mix. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. McCabe joins the station after spending time with Audacy Los Angeles, with on-air stops at the former 97.1 Amp Radio KAMP and modern rock KROQ-FM (106.7). Radio host Eric Ferguson in a 2006 promotional photo. June 27, 2023 / 11:23 PM Valliere added, I'm thrilled to make the move to afternoons and can't wait to get started with Casey.. "As a result, and after discussions with Hubbard leadership, weve decided it is best that I step away from the show. Eric Ferguson is apparently getting out of town. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty) A woman who accused former WTMX-FM morning host Eric . Eric Ferguson Divorce: How Did it Actually Happen? - OtakuKart Copyright 2023 All Access Music Group All rights reserved. A federal judge last week dismissed a defamation lawsuit stemming from alleged sexual misconduct by former Chicago radio personality Eric Ferguson. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. DeNicolos defamation claim against the radio company claimed its statement amounted to calling her a liar. But most of all, I want to say thank you to the listeners. All four women alleged management protected him because of his shows high ratings. Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson (Photo: 101.9 The Mix Chicago). To fill the morning show vacancy created by the departure of Eric Ferguson following several sexual abuse and harassment charges, Hubbard hot AC 101.9 The Mix WTMX Chicago promotes from within. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty) For the second time, a federal judge has dismissed a. It has been the honor and privilege of my life to be lucky enough to be a part of yours. If youre looking to up your snack game, here are some tips to consider. ALL ACCESS is hearing speculation that Former HUBBARD RADIO Hot AC WTMX (101.9 THE MIX)/CHICAGO 25-year Morning Host ERIC FERGUSON might be planning to leave the city after leaving the station on OCTOBER 29th following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and abusive behavior from several female employees (NET NEWS 10/6). The suit had been filed by Cynthia DeNicolo against her former employer, Hubbard Radio Chicago, the company that brings The Mix to the airwaves at 101.9-FM. McGurren, you'll recall, was co-host of Ferguson's morning show when she left in 2020 after 22 years at The Mix. Additional allegations followed before Ferguson was taken off the air in early October. "I feel that returning to the air at this time, in this environment, will be an unfair distraction to my colleagues and the rest of the morning show members who work so hard," Ferguson said in a statement. Which president is being depicted in the cartoon. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. December 8, 2022 2:51 pm. Ferguson, 55, has denied the allegations but was sidelined from his popular morning show in October 2021, weeks after the Tribune first reported that DeNicolo had sued him earlier that year. Dear Abby: How do I tell men nicely that Im not interested? Provided A federal judge last week dismissed a defamation lawsuit stemming from alleged sexual misconduct by former Chicago radio personality Eric Ferguson. It marks a stunning if inevitable fall from grace for one of Chicago radio's all-time most successful performers. Ferguson was a star radio host at WTMX-FM 101.9, owned by Hubbard Radio Chicago. The former morning host at Hubbard Radio hot AC "101.9 The Mix" WTMX Chicago has sold his home in suburban Hinsdale for $1.35 million, according to a story in the Chicago Tribune. For the second time, a federal judge has dismissed a defamation lawsuit related to the way Hubbard Radio Chicago handled misconduct allegations against onetime star host Eric Ferguson. Ferguson had been off the air throughout October while bosses of the Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station considered his fate. Ferguson, who denied engaging in inappropriate conduct, later announced he was leaving his job. He also hosted the syndicated program Alternative Soundcheck and worked on-air at Audacy modern rock KXTE Las Vegas (107.5) and the former KRZQ Reno (104.1). Copyright 2023 All Access Music Group All rights reserved. Expand. Cynthia DeNicolo filed the suit in 2021, which also accused Ferguson of . The weekend also brought polite responses declining to comment from Ferguson and England. Ethan played varsity soccer at Benet Academy, while Avery attended The Chicago Academy For The Arts. For the first time in my career, I feel lucky to have been able to take time away from the daily demands of morning radio. Former WTMX (101.9 The Mix)/Chicago Morning Host Eric Ferguson Sells The request to drop the suit was granted with prejudice, which means she cannot refile. Ferguson stepped down as host of the popular show in October, amid outcry over McGurrens allegations and claims of sexual assault and workplace harassment made by other female employees of The Mix.. Chris Petlak Adding a great new talent like Casey complements our entire Mix daytime lineup, with Jenny as Caseys afternoon cohost and Lisa Allen now in middays, VP/Market Manager Jeff England added. Over and out: Eric Ferguson leaves The Mix | Robert Feder A woman who accused former Chicago radio host Eric Ferguson of pressuring her to perform sex acts has dropped her lawsuit. FERGUSON just sold his home in suburban HINSDALE for $1.35 million. We are heartened by the fact that now two federal courts and an arbitrator have ruled in Hubbards favor and have concluded that the claims brought by Ms. McGurren and Ms. DeNicolo against Hubbard lacked any legal merit, attorney Michael Roche, a partner at Winston & Strawn who represented Hubbard Radio Chicago in the litigation, said in an emailed statement. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and in later court filings, McGurren said Ferguson subjected her to an unbearable hostile work environment with the knowledge of their bosses. The twins Avery and Ethan, who were born in the year 2010, are their eldest. MCGURREN also brought an EEOC Charge of. Eric Ferguson is apparently getting out of town. Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. As of today, she is reported to reside in Bozeman, Montana, with her family. Ferguson ALL ACCESS is hearing speculation that Former HUBBARD RADIO Hot AC WTMX (101.9 THE MIX)/CHICAGO 25-year Morning Host ERIC FERGUSON might be planning to leave the city after leaving. The five-bedroom farmhouse-style house was put up for sale for $1.5 million on July 30, nearly two years after Ferguson paid $1.4 million. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. Suit claiming radio personality Eric Ferguson coerced sex from colleague is dropped, other women who accused Ferguson of workplace misconduct, Movie gives South Sides Khalil Everage the high school experience he never had. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. But in a Nov. 28 written opinion, U.S. District Judge Franklin Valderrama of the Northern District of Illinois found the statements were nonactionable and did not defame DeNicolo. A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. Cynthia DeNicolo filed the suit in 2021, which also accused Ferguson of retaliating against her when she stopped doing what he wanted. 'Such a mess': Former employee at 'The Mix' speaks out amid Eric In various court filings since September, four women alleged misconduct by Ferguson and claimed the company ignored their complaints in order to protect him. Whip, Nikki, Violeta, and Swanny are true professionals and the best at what they do. He joined The Mix in 1996 and went on to become the highest-paid radio personality in Chicago.
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