Shes always wanted to be in the business, and she always wanted to do things like this that she loves so much. Former Chicago radio host's $10M defamation suit dismissed - JG-TC.com It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. 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. 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. OK, love you all. It just brings alertness and focus to the game., White Sox notebook: Benintendi, Anderson, Alberto, Saturdays win. 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. 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. 10 Things You Didnt Know about Melissa McGurren, Five Songs That Lead to the Creation of a Movie or TV Show, 10 Things You Didnt Know about Brandon Flynn. Melissa McGurren (@melissamcgurren) / Twitter Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million However, McGurren's suit states "Hubbard Radio's statement" that the company "thoroughly investigated" her allegations "is false." similar defamation lawsuit filed by Cynthia DeNicolo, Hubbard parted ways with the morning host. Audacy announced a new morning show for US99 (WUSN-FM) in Chicago, welcoming local media veteran Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff as morning show co-hosts. In a March 1 ruling, Judge Ronald Guzman found Hubbard Chicago VP/Market Manager Jeff Englands comments to be non-actionable statements of opinion that did not fall into any of the five categories that Illinois law deems to be defamatory. 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. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit, as reported by the Tribune. When he stepped down after 25 years at the station, Ferguson said in a statement that he was energized to move forward and defend myself against claims made against me and the station.. McGurren brought the $10 million claim in October in response to an email in which the company told staff it had "thoroughly . "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. 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. Marci Braun continues as program director of US99 and regional brand manager of the country format for Audacy. 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. A onetime producer of "The Jim Rome Show" for CBS Sports Radio, he owns and operatesKorkedBats.com,a comedy sports blog. 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." Shes a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. She too was represented by Mandell. McGurren called Ferguson a serial abuser of women, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio. Shes a huge Frank Sinatra fan, too. Melissa McGurren - Facebook The Mix and its corporate owners have been engaged in a coverup that is now exposed as a lie, Caruso told the Tribune. Amidst the continuing allegations, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, saying he will be sidelined through October. 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. McGurren first made her accusations in a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, shortly after leaving the station in December 2020. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. In the latest Nielsen Audio survey, US99 tied for 15th in mornings with a 2.0 percent share and cumulative weekly audience of 250,800. The Tribune also reports that McGurren, who co-hosted "Eric in the Morning" on The Mix, described Ferguson in a December complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as a "serial abuser of women" who had subjected her to an "unbearable hostile work environment." "Drew [Walker] returns to late mornings and middays and will continue to bring the energy and companionship country listeners have grown to love to get them through their day. A federal judge this week dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by a former co-host of one of Chicagos top morning drive radio shows over alleged harassment by star Eric Ferguson. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. 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). All four women alleged management protected him because of his shows high ratings. Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time. She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. Jeff England, vice president and market manager at Hubbard Radio Chicago, was quoted as saying: Our plans for the future of Eric in the Morning definitely included Melissa. Bei der Nutzung unserer Websites und Apps verwenden wir, unsere Websites und Apps fr Sie bereitzustellen, Nutzer zu authentifizieren, Sicherheitsmanahmen anzuwenden und Spam und Missbrauch zu verhindern, und, Ihre Nutzung unserer Websites und Apps zu messen, personalisierte Werbung und Inhalte auf der Grundlage von Interessenprofilen anzuzeigen, die Effektivitt von personalisierten Anzeigen und Inhalten zu messen, sowie, unsere Produkte und Dienstleistungen zu entwickeln und zu verbessern. The list of flaws with this team are many, but the fact that this Bulls front office thought Russell Westbrook might help them out could be atop that list. In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. Former WTMX radio host Melissa McGurren's $10 million defamation suit Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. Guzman again, disagreed, saying that the statement was an opinion based on its position rather than a statement of facts. 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 . We look forward to getting them under oath for questioning.. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. The decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. Eric in the Morning assistant producer Cynthia DeNicolowho also occasionally worked as a babysitter for Ferguson and his then-wifealso has sued the station, claiming Ferguson used his star power to coerce her into sex acts when she first began working for the station, and, for years after she began refusing his come-ons, taunted her in front of co-workers. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. Right now, thats a fair assessment. Rachel Williamson, regional president and market manager of Audacy Chicago, said the team of McGurren and Huff "will bring energy, positivity, chemistry, and a lot of fun to this fresh and dynamic local show to serve Chicagos country listeners. It's official: The Mix bids farewell to morning co-star Melissa McGurren Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. Drew Walker, an 18-year veteran of US99 who most recently has been hosting mornings, returns to middays from 9 a.m. to noon. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. Jan 27, 2022 Help create big change for the pets and people in our community. McGurren had argued that when the station owner made its statement, it knew that Ferguson was a serial abuser of women and that Hubbard knowingly published false information when it said it did not agree with her characterization of events. Third woman accuses radio host Eric Ferguson of inappropriate behavior You have permission to edit this article. Officials of the Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station ended speculation today about McGurren's lengthy absenceand announced a parting of the ways. 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. How could we improve it? Former Chicago Radio Co-Host's $10M Defamation Suit Dismissed But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. Facebook gives people the. 13 talking about this. She is such a proud mom. Melissa McGurren will co-host a new morning show on country station WUSN-FM 99.5 starting Monday. When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. She is a mother. On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. 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. She currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. Hubbard Radio Wants Court To Dismiss Defamation Suits From Eric Read the entire Chicago Tribune article here. "This far-reaching argument finds no support in the law," Guzman wrote in his decision. McGurren currently works as a host at the country station, US99. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit. Such complaints are confidential, but her allegations later became public in a court filing that was part of DeNicolos defamation lawsuit. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. . Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. We wish her the best.. Former WTMX radio host Melissa McGurren's defamation lawsuit dismissed Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 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. While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. Starting Monday, she will host "Melissa and Austin" from 6 to 9 a.m. weekdays with co-host Austin Huff, a radio producer and podcaster just in from St. Louis. 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. Its actually good for the game, Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. It sounds to us like shes your every day proud mom, but let us not forget he is so many of these things because of who she is. Melissa McGurren Departs WTMX's Eric In The Morning 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. Paddock Publications, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Company. Her writing has allowed her to visit NYC for Fashion Week events since 2015, and she's worked with clients in almost every field, from dentistry to law and family to entertainment. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. 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. Last week U.S. District Court. In a Facebook video posted earlier, McGurren told fans: "Im really sorry that I havent been there. Mom 1st. McGurren filed her own federal lawsuit against Hubbard shortly afterward. Melissa McGurren, 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 101.9-FM, Robert Feder writes. In court documents filed Oct. 5, McGurren called Ferguson a serial abuser of women and claimed that station management for years has protected Ferguson in allowing him to continue in perpetrating his misconduct that goes far beyond the limits of decency despite ample notice from me and many of my co-workers that Fergusons behavior is unlawful. McGurren went on to say that the long-running morning host has grossly abused his power, and his conduct was the major reason the station became a hostile working environment., Her accusations were submitted as supporting evidence in an amended defamation lawsuit brought by former WTMX Associate Producer Cynthia DeNicolo against Hubbard. 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. Her new role will make them direct competitors. Melissa McGurren, who worked for 22 years at the station, filed a $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago, claiming the company did not perform an investigation or conducted "a sham investigation" of her earlier allegations and that Hubbard attacked her credibility and integrity with comments it made to staff last week, the 0. McGurren was one of three female former station employees to raise allegations about Ferguson in court filings after DeNicolo filed her lawsuits. She's seeking $10 million in damages. 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. She is expected to be paid through the end of the year, when her contract expires. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. Honestly, let her not forget that. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. McGurren now hosts mornings on Audacy country station WUSN-FM 99.5. After studying business in college, Tiffany embarked upon a career she never dreamed of. Whatever Happened to Brian Buckner from Barnwood Builders? Thank you for all those great messages. She's back: US99 hires Melissa McGurren to host mornings Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. 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. MCGURREN also brought an EEOC Charge of. The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. 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.. We dont know Jim, though, because she keeps his face out of all of her Instagram photos. A hearing on Hubbards motion to dismiss was held Tuesday, Aug. 30 and the court is expected to issue an opinion on the motion soon. 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 new morning show. Feder: The Mix bids farewell to morning co-star Melissa McGurren McGurren alleged management did nothing about her concerns, then forced her out in December. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. 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. 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. "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. McGurren left the station in 2020 and alleged in the lawsuit that the station was intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. Feder: US99 hires Melissa McGurren to host mornings - Daily Herald 1 talking about this. 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. McGurren spent most of . 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. View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. 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. What a fun thing to be able to grow up and make that happen for yourself. The court agrees with Hubbard that the statements have nothing to do with DeNicolos conduct on the job.. She loves that they listen to her, that they reach out to her, and that they want to connect with her through their own stories. She is very proud of the young man her son is becoming, she loves that he is funny and helpful and that he is thoughtful. 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. In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. Its an adjustment to have to talk about your life to so many people, but she loves that it allows her to connect to those around her. 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. Report: Chicago Radio Host Melissa McGurren Sues WTMX Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. McGurren currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. Eric in the Morning is expected to continue with current contributors Violeta Podrumedic and Brian Whip Paruch and producer John Swany Swanson. Starting. oh and REINVENTION. 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. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. You have permission to edit this article. Ashrafi, who was afternoon co-host and traffic reporter at WTMX using the on-air name Jennifer Roberts, is the fourth former female staff member to back claims against the station and Ferguson. Melissa McGurren - Facebook By. Report: Chicago Radio Host Melissa McGurren Sues WTMX Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. The judge on Friday ruled that the station's statement regarding a complaint made by McGurren to the U.S. Hes part of Melissas morning show. 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." Both she and McGurren are represented by attorney Carmen Caruso. Melissa McGurren Profiles | Facebook Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. The judge also found that Hubbard did not cross the line because its statement expressed an opinion regarding McGurrens claim to the EEOC. Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. In his ruling, Gomez cited the legal statute opinions that do not misstate facts are protected by the First Amendment and are non-actionable. Her new role will make them direct competitors. Now, in her defamation suit, McGurren accuses Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. A statement released by the company alludes to a contract extension offer it says McGurren turned down, but it provided no other details. 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. WTMX promoted Chris Petlak from afternoons to mornings, effective Jan. 24. Thanks for reading! 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. She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. 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. 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. How would you rate this article? Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process..
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