May she rest in power. Last week U.S. District Court Judge Ronald A. Guzmn rejected McGurren's claim and granted Hubbards motion to dismiss her suit. Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson (Photo: 101.9 The Mix Chicago). Eric Ferguson is apparently getting out of town. 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. By remaining on this website, you indicate your consent. 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. Learn More About Kathy Hart Eric went on to become Chicagos No. 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. Ferguson has denied misconduct allegations but was suspended from the morning show and announced he was leaving his job last year after 25 years as host. Ferguson was a star radio host at WTMX-FM 101.9, owned by Hubbard Radio Chicago. 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. Hubbard hot AC 101.9 The Mix WTMX Chicago is closing the chapter on the Eric Ferguson era. What happened to Eric from 101.9 the mix? DENICOLOs defamation suit quotes extensively from MCGURRENs EEOC charge and MCGURRENs suit quotes extensively from DENICOLOs suit against FERGUSON. His former assistant producer at 101.9 The Mix, Cynthia DeNicolo, said Ferguson coerced her into sexual activity for months until she refused him. HUBBARD RADIO is asking a judge to dismiss the two defamation suits filed against the company in connection with allegations of sexual misconduct by former Hot AC WTMX (101.9 THE MIX)/CHICAGO Morning Host ERIC FERGUSON. 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. Expand. MCGURREN also brought an EEOC Charge of Discrimination and demand for arbitration against HUBBARD (NET NEWS 10/18). The women claimed the companys statement amounted to calling them liars. American Morning show host Eric Ferguson was married to Jennifer Moran, a dentist in Chicago, and they have four children together. DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. Eric Ferguson at a concert for the kids at MB Financial Park in Rosemont in 2015. 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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? 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. The dismissal of Melissa McGurren's $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago doesn't mean the end of legal problems for Eric Ferguson or the parent company of hot adult-contemporary WTMX 101.9-FM. Chris Petlak, a northwest suburban native whos been co-hosting afternoons at WTMX 101.9-FM since 2020, is moving to mornings, the Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station announced today. Chicago Radio Host Eric Ferguson Pulled Off Air Following New - Yahoo 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. 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. A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty) For the second time, a federal judge has dismissed a. 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. 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. Additional allegations followed before Ferguson was taken off the air in early October. Lawsuit against former radio host Eric Ferguson dropped. 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. CHICAGO (CBS) -- The woman who claimed she was forced into sex acts by former Chicago radio hist Eric Ferguson has dropped her lawsuit. FERGUSON just sold his home in suburban HINSDALE for $1.35 million. 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. Valderrama said the analysis in McGurrens lawsuit was applicable and persuasive in DeNicolos case because the companys published statements in both situations were similar. Emergency crews were called to the 5600 block of South Ada Street around 5 a.m. Wednesday, fire officials said. 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. Lawsuit dropped against ex-Chicago radio host Eric Ferguson - CBS News 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. 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. DeNicolos defamation claim against the radio company claimed its statement amounted to calling her a liar. It's allowed me to reflect, focus on myself, my family, and my health, and gain new perspective and resolve. Valliere added, I'm thrilled to make the move to afternoons and can't wait to get started with Casey.. 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.. 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. Ex-staffer at 'The Mix' drops lawsuit against Eric Ferguson England's October 5 email prompted McGurren to sue for defamation, alleging that his statement falsely branded her a liar by attacking her credibility and integrity. "Im 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," Ferguson said at the time. 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.. 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. Representatives for Hubbard and Ferguson did not respond to requests for comment. DENICOLO claimed that HUBBARD defamed her in statements it made to the CHICAGO TRIBUNE after the newspaper first reported on her original suit against FERGUSON. 'Such a mess': Former employee at 'The Mix' speaks out amid Eric Ferguson scandal Watch on I have been extremely touched by your unwavering support and kind messages. [3] Early life and education Ferguson is a native of Elburn, Illinois. Federal defamation suits were filed by DeNicolo and McGurren against Hubbard Radio after the company said it found no corroborating evidence of illegal workplace conduct. 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. Whip, Nikki, Violeta, and Swanny are true professionals and the best at what they do. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Copyright 2023 All Access Music Group All rights reserved. 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. HUBBARD wants both suits tossed with prejudice, meaning they cant be retried. Chicago radio host Eric Ferguson faced a new accusation of creating a hostile workplace Tuesday and was pulled off the air as a result. A similar defamation claim against Hubbard had also been brought by another former co-worker, Melissa McGurren, who claimed Ferguson harassed her. Eric Ferguson got married to Jennifer Moran in 2000. June 27, 2023 / 11:23 PM / CBS Chicago. Which president is being depicted in the cartoon. The success we've enjoyed and the gratitude I feel is overwhelming. "As a result, and after discussions with Hubbard leadership, weve decided it is best that I step away from the show. 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. 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. It will be fun to listen to their success. Judge dismisses defamation lawsuit related to Eric Ferguson - Audacy 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). What is the most popular drug for bipolar? 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. As a result, and after discussions with Hubbard leadership, weve decided it is best that I step away from the show. June 27, 2023 / 11:23 PM She alleged Ferguson would say he needed a backrub as code words for unwanted demands for oral sex. He and the station parted ways in November 2021. [5] Professional career Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. Here is the complete text of Ferguson's statement: Many of you have asked if I am returning to the air on November 1st. What I do know is I leave you in great hands. The request to drop the suit was granted with prejudice, which means she cannot refile. After hosting mornings for 25 years, Fergusons star came crashing down after multiple female employees accused the host of sexual misconduct. Federal judges determined the claims didnt rise to the level of defamation, and thesuits were dismissed. But most of all, I want to say thank you to the listeners. Additional allegations followed before FERGUSON was taken off the air in early OCTOBER. WTMX Chicago Completes Post-Eric Ferguson Lineup. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. DeNicolos attorney, Carmen Caruso, said they were disappointed in the decision and planned to appeal. The next hearing in her lawsuit against Ferguson,which asserts claims of intentional infliction of emotionaldistress, is scheduled for Dec. 8. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. 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). A federal judge last week dismissed a defamation lawsuit stemming from alleged sexual misconduct by former Chicago radio personality Eric Ferguson. 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? Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged Ferguson had harassed her. Ferguson married Jennifer in 2000, but the couple divorced in 2020, so they are no longer married. Ferguson, a Radio Hall of Famer and once Chicago's highest paid radio personality, stepped down in October after 25 years at The Mix. Ferguson, 54, grew up in Elburn and graduated from Kaneland High School and the University of Iowa. DeNicolos other lawsuit, against Hubbard, accused her former employer of defaming her when the company stated it had investigated her claims against Ferguson but did not find corroborating evidence. Allegations against FERGUSON included a lawsuit from an assistant producer alleging that he had coerced sexual favors from her and then retaliated against her. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The court agrees with Hubbard that the statements have nothing to do with DeNicolos conduct on the job.. 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. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. He joined The Mix in 1996 and went on to become the highest-paid radio personality in Chicago. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. 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. December 8, 2022 2:51 pm. This ends a two-year . The five-bedroom farmhouse-style house was put up for sale for $1.5 million on JULY 30th, nearly two years after FERGUSON paid $1.4 million. I am confident that at the end of the day the courts will rule and the right outcome will prevail," the statement said. All four women alleged management protected him because of his shows high ratings. WTMX Chicago Completes Post-Eric Ferguson Lineup. As of today, she is reported to reside in Bozeman, Montana, with her family. 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 . What kind of habitat does a Mediterranean house gecko need? Mar 28, 2022 Updated Mar 28, 2022 Hubbard hot AC "101.9 The Mix" WTMX Chicago is closing the chapter on the Eric Ferguson era. In various court filings since September, four women alleged misconduct by Ferguson and claimed the company ignored their complaints in order to protect him. What happened to Eric Ferguson? - Cowetaamerican.com I appreciate all the love and support I have received over the years from current and former coworkers, friends in the media, and most importantly the Hubbard family. Hubbard Radio officials were not immediately available for comment. / CBS Chicago. First The Show, Now The House: Former Chicago Morning Host Eric [4] He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1989. McGurren filed her own federal lawsuit against Hubbard shortly afterward. 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. At present, the duo has 3 children together, two daughters and a son. 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. The house Ferguson just sold had a $20,654 property tax bill in the 2020 tax year. 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. Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. McGurren now hosts mornings on Audacy country station WUSN-FM 99.5. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. 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. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. CHICAGO A sexual misconduct lawsuit against ex-radio personality Eric Ferguson will be allowed to proceed. 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. According to Robert Feder, a Chicago-based reporter, Jeff. 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. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. 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. WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. After hosting mornings for 25 years, Ferguson's star came crashing down after multiple female employees accused the host of sexual misconduct. 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.. It has been the honor and privilege of my life to be lucky enough to be a part of yours. 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.". The suit had been filed by Cynthia DeNicolo against her former employer, Hubbard Radio Chicago, the company that brings "The Mix" to morning . 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 defamation suit stems from a separate, and still pending, lawsuit filed in 2021 in which DeNicolo alleged Ferguson used his position as her boss to coerce her into a sexual relationship that he lorded over her in humiliating fashion. Emergency crews were called to the 5600 block of South Ada Street around 5 a.m. Wednesday, fire officials said. Eric Ferguson Divorced? Know About His Marriage Life This ends a two-year battle for Ferguson, who stepped away from his popular show on The Mix 101.9, WTMX-FM, in October 2021. Ferguson married Jennifer, a dentist from Chicago. They sold their six-bedroom, 8,270-square-foot Hinsdale home for . U.S. District Judge Franklin Valderrama, in an opinion filed Nov. 28, disagreed with DeNicolo and found that Hubbards statement did not defame her. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty) A woman who accused former WTMX-FM morning host Eric . Dear Abby: How do I tell men nicely that Im not interested? According toTHE CHICAGO TRIBUNE. Ferguson denies any inappropriate conduct. She alleged her former employer had falsely branded her a liar when the company said in an email to staff that it had thoroughly investigated her EEOC complaint and did not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. If youre looking to up your snack game, here are some tips to consider. A woman who accused former Chicago radio host Eric Ferguson of pressuring her to perform sex acts has dropped her lawsuit. Such complaints are confidential, but her allegations later became public in a court filing that was part of DeNicolos defamation lawsuit. Thank you for helping a smalltown boy from Elburn realize his dreams come true. 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. Copyright 2023 All Access Music Group All rights reserved. Statements HUBBARD made in response to DENICOLOs and MCGURRENs suits are at issue in the defamation complaints that HUBBARD now wants to be dismissed. Not so, Valderrama wrote in his 20-page opinion and order. DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. MCGURREN also brought an EEOC Charge of. In court filings, four women have alleged misconduct by Ferguson and claimed the company ignored their complaints. The accusations against its morning radio star prompted Hubbard Radio to state that it found no evidence to corroborate allegations of illegal workplace conduct. The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. 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.. 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. Sources confirmed he had two years left on his contract with Hubbard Radio. 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. The weekend also brought polite responses declining to comment from Ferguson and England. shifting afternoon host Chris Petlak to mornings. Suit claiming radio personality Eric Ferguson coerced sex from The Mix began the new year by shifting afternoon host Chris Petlak to mornings, leaving Lisa Allen in afternoons solo. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. Christy Gutowski and Tracy Swartz of the Chicago Tribune first reported on DeNicolossuit against Ferguson in September and have continued to advance the story.
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