I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. CHICAGO An Illinois District Court judge on Friday dismissed a $10 million defamation lawsuit by former Chicago radio host Melissa McGurren, who had filed suit against her former employer in connection with sexual harassment allegations against her former co-host on The Mix, Eric Ferguson. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. In his ruling, Gomez cited the legal statute opinions that do not misstate facts are protected by the First Amendment and are non-actionable. May 6, 2021. McGurren claimed in her filing that the station's management protected Ferguson for years by allowing him to "perpetuate his misconduct that goes far beyond the limits of decency." McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. But we also owe it to ourselves and our listeners to have a deliberate and thoughtful process about our path forward, and candidly we are not there yet.. While McGurrens case against Hubbard has ended, a similar defamation lawsuit filed by Cynthia DeNicolo against the broadcaster continues to be litigated in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Melissa McGurren, who was a mainstay of Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary WTMX 101.9-FM for 22 years, has been hired by Audacy country WUSN 99.5-FM to lead a brand-new morning show. She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. McGurren, who worked for the WTMX-FM for 22 years, alleged in the suit that the station defamed her in choosing not to side with her in her complaints of sexual harassment by Ferguson. We were disappointed by her decision not to renew her contract, but also know that this year has led all of us to assess our lives in different ways. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. Drew Walker, an 18-year veteran of US99 who most recently has been hosting mornings, returns to middays from 9 a.m. to noon. 10 Things You Didnt Know about The Sticklers, Luann de Lesseps Accuses Russell Simmons of Groping Her, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Mariana Jasel, 10 Things You Didnt Know About Leo Sheng, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Lele Pons, Being a Movie Superhero Doesnt Always Mean Your Kids Will Like It, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Rila Fukushima, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Asya Branch, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Tricia Ana, Guy Builds Insane Star Trek Man Cave Theater, This Clever Never-Ending LEGO Climber Automaton. Huff, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, and self-described country music fan, is a graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri. Last week U.S. District Court. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. WUSN-FM (US99)/Chicago morning co-host Melissa McGurren has filed a defamation lawsuit against her former employer, crosstown Hubbard Radio, reports the Chicago Tribune.On Thursday, she alleged that WTMX-FM (The Mix) management perpetuated a culture of discrimination to protect cash cows such as its morning host Eric Ferguson "at any cost." Amidst the continuing allegations, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, saying he will be sidelined through October. According to the newspaper, the suit includes a declaration as an exhibit from another former employee, Jennifer Ashrafi, who said she left as the station's afternoon co-host in January, 2020 because she was so "disgusted" by the "misogyny, gender discrimination and hostile work environment that was pervasive" at the station. Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. I want to just make sure that I wished everybody a happy belated Thanksgiving and I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, and miss you all. While not claiming that Ferguson abused her specifically, Ashrafi said the disgraced morning host was rude and dismissive to women., His abusive behavior is open and known by all at The Mix, she said. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. 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Tell us what's wrong with this post? The court agrees with Hubbard that the statements have nothing to do with DeNicolos conduct on the job.. Radio Ink. (Todd Rosenberg Photography) McGurren was offered a. I know this is exactly where I'm supposed to be, and I couldn't be happier to make this new move in my career.". The former morning show co-host at Hubbard hot AC The Mix WTMX Chicago has withdrawn her appeal of a federal court decision that dismissed the suit. Not so, Valderrama wrote in his 20-page opinion and order. A thorough investigation would have uncovered that Jennifer Ashrafi brought many of these same issues, that corroborate Melissas characterization of events, to England in January 2020, months before Melissa filed her charge with the EEOC. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. The decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. Shes a lot more local than most people assume. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. 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.. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged Ferguson had harassed her. "A thorough investigation would have uncovered that Jennifer Ashrafi brought many of these same issues, that corroborate Melissa's 'characterization of events,' to England in January, 2020, months before Melissa filed her charge" with the EEOC. In response to McGurrens earlier claims, VP/Market Manager Jeff England said in an email to staff that the company thoroughly investigated this matter previously. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. Melissa McGurren, who spent 22 years with WTMX-101.9-FM and co-hosted the Eric in the Morning with Ferguson, in 2020 filed suit against WTMX owner Hubbard Radio Chicago, claiming an email sent to her former coworkers implied she was lying about alleged abusive behavior by Ferguson. Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. McGurren called Ferguson a serial abuser of women, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. Her lawsuit claims station vice president Jeff England defamed her when he sent a message to staff in 2020 stating the station had investigated her claims and did not agree with [McGurrens] characterization of events a statement that McGurren said implied she was a liar, and which she claimed impugned her integrity. Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. The rest of the station's lineup remains intact, with New York-based Katie Neal from noon to 3 p.m., Scotty Kay from 3 to 7 p.m. and Detroit-based Rob Stone and Holly Hutton from 7 p.m. to midnight. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. Fans arent sure what happened, where she went, and how things are going for her right now, and we are curious ourselves. CHICAGO An Illinois District Court judge on Friday dismissed a $10 million defamation lawsuit by former Chicago radio host Melissa McGurren, who had filed suit against her former employer in . She also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. Guzman also provided McGurren with a window of time to amend her complaint and gave Hubbard 14 days to respond to her amended filing. Melissa McGurren, the pride of Portage, Indiana, who rose from traffic reporter to full-fledged co-host of Eric Ferguson's top-rated morning show, is out after more than two decades at WTMX. Thank you for all those great messages. She subsequently filed two lawsuits, one against Ferguson and the other against Hubbard. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit, as reported by the Tribune. I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. In a four-page ruling issued by the United District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Judge Ronald A. Guzman granted Hubbard Radio Chicago petition to dismiss the suit brought by McGurren. She has a son by the name of Porter, and she does share a little about him on her Instagram page from time to time. But, her cohosts have not said a word, and thats what has fans worried. 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. I love smooth jazz Christmas music. While she does not address the actual reason for her disappearance, she does make it clear that she and her family are all healthy and shes hopeful everyone stays that way. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Shes always wanted to be in the business, and she always wanted to do things like this that she loves so much. Robservations: WGN Radio names Steve Alexander to succeed Orion Samuelson, 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. WTMX afternoon host Chris Petlak succeeded Ferguson as host of the morning show on The Mix in January. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. WUSN-FM (US99)/Chicago morning co-host Melissa McGurren has filed a defamation lawsuit against her former employer, crosstown Hubbard Radio, reports the Chicago Tribune. Being part of a morning show means shes sharing so much of her life with the people who listen. She is a mother. Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. Thanks, you guys. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. CHICAGO - A federal judge has dismissed Chicago radio host Melissa McGurren's defamation lawsuit against her former employer, Hubbard Radio Chicago, whom she alleged falsely branded her a liar. Hubbard also asked Judge Franklin Valderrram to consider Judge Guzmans rationale and toss DeNicolos complaint for the same reasons. McGurren had been with WTMX for 22 years serving as a traffic reporter until moving up to morning co-host following the departure of Kathy . Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox each afternoon. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. In the defamation suit filed Thursday, she said Hubbard did not perform an investigation or conducted "a sham investigation" into her allegations, and the company attacked her credibility and integrity with comments it made last week to staff. OK, love you all. Mom 1st. our stories straight," and advised her to "stay silent and to deny any allegations by other women that Ferguson had engaged in inappropriate behavior," according to the lawsuit. On Thursday, she alleged that WTMX-FM (The Mix) management perpetuated a culture of discrimination to protect cash cows such as its morning host Eric Ferguson "at any cost." Melissa McGurren, the pride of Portage, Indiana, who rose from traffic reporter to full-fledged co-host of Eric Fergusons top-rated morning show, is out after more than two decades at WTMX 101.9-FM. Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Hubbard. On Thursday, she alleged that WTMX-FM (The Mix) management perpetuated a culture of discrimination to protect cash cows such as its morning host Eric Ferguson "at any cost." Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. A former assistant producer for Ferguson, Cynthia DeNicolo, had alleged the company defamed her last year by stating it found no evidence to corroborate her allegations that Ferguson engaged in illegal workplace conduct at WTMX-FM 101.9. Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. In the midst of her absence, some of her fans have even taken the time to post on social media that the show is no longer any good without her. McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. It is humiliating to watch and dehumanizing to know that nothing can be done because the management at The Mix approved Fergusons misconduct by their silence in not reprimanding him., Ashrafis filing continued: This is one of many examples of microaggressions and suggestive comments women at The Mix are expected to endure (in addition to being underpaid and marginalized). DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. You have permission to edit this article. She too was represented by Mandell. 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When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. Eric in the Morning is expected to continue with current contributors Violeta Podrumedic and Brian Whip Paruch and producer John Swany Swanson. The accusations of sexual harassment and abuse of power levied against Eric Ferguson continue to pile up as a fourth accuser has come forward, while the station he hosts mornings at, Hubbard hot AC 101.9 The Mix WTMX Chicago, is hit with a $10 million lawsuit from a former co-host of Fergusons. Such complaints are confidential, but her allegations later became public in a court filing that was part of DeNicolos defamation lawsuit. We wish her the best.. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that. In the court filings made public Tuesday, McGurren said that during her 22-year career at The Mix she rose from traffic reporter to show co-host with Ferguson and Brian "Whip" Paruch, who she. Honestly, let her not forget that. Chicago | Mornings @US99Chicago 6-9am SHOP Melissa's Amazon Favorites link below . McGurren then took her case to the U.S. Court of Appeals. Guzman again, disagreed, saying that the statement was an opinion based on its position rather than a statement of facts. She's seeking $10 million in damages. In many ways, McGurren's departure was a replay of the drama that unfolded in 2017 when Kathy Hart severed ties with the station after 21 years as Ferguson's co-host. McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. The judge also found that Hubbard did not cross the line because its statement expressed an opinion regarding McGurrens claim to the EEOC. DeNicolo, a former WTMX assistant producer, claims Hubbard defamed her in statements it made to the Chicago Tribune after the newspaper first reported on her original suit against Ferguson. 13 talking about this. McGurren, the pride of Portage, Indiana, who rose from traffic reporter to co-host of Eric Ferguson's morning show at The Mix, has been off the air since she and the station parted company late last year. We look forward to getting them under oath for questioning.. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . McGurren now hosts mornings on Audacy country station WUSN-FM 99.5. McGurren was one of three female former station employees to raise allegations about Ferguson in court filings after DeNicolo filed her lawsuits. A second female former employee of WTMX-FM has come forward to say longtime on-air host Eric Ferguson engaged in sexually inappropriate conduct, alleging in a Thursday court filing that he groped. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. In the suit, McGurren said the station falsely calls (her) a liar and attacks (her) integrity credibility when it said in a statement that it did not agree with McGurrens characterization of events in relation to Ferguson. Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season.
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