NEWS'American Idol' Under Fire For Airing Laine Hardy's Performance Less Than 1 Week After His Arrest
One week after American Idol season 17 winner Laine Hardy was arrested for allegedly eavesdropping on his girlfriend, the series went ahead and showed his performance during the special reunion episode that aired on Monday, May 2.
The performance — in which the 21-year-old and fellow alum Laci Kaye Booth belted out "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" — was reportedly taped about a month prior to his scandal, but the decision to air it without making any note of the current situation angered some viewers.
"Laine Hardy 2019 Idol winner on Idol Reunion tonight after being arrested for allegedly spying on girlfriend..whole thing is just creepy," one fan wrote on Twitter, while another tweeted, "Laine Hardy on Idol tonight: awkward."
As OK! reported, the singer was arrested and booked for interception and disclosure of wire, electronic or oral communication after his ex-girlfriend found a device under her bed in her Louisiana State University dorm room.
When authorities recovered the device, they reportedly heard Hardy's voice on the recording as it was being planted. Other audio clips include his ex-girlfriend talking to her mother about their breakup.
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When the news first broke that he was under investigation by LSU police, he issued a statement on his social media profiles.
"Earlier today, I received a warrant due to allegations made against me and have been fully cooperative with the Louisiana State University Police Department," his message began. "I understand that my career has thrust me into the public spotlight, and I embrace that wholeheartedly as my entire world belongs to my music and my fans."
"Due to the sensitive nature of this allegation, I humbly ask for privacy at this time," continued the singer. "I have the utmost respect for the law and will assist in their investigation as needed moving forward."
Hardy hasn't commented on the situation since then, nor has Idol or any of the current judges, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, who were all on the panel when Hardy won his season.
