A separate lawsuit she filed against Ferguson remains active. Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. 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. Drew Walker, an 18-year veteran of US99 who most recently has been hosting mornings, returns to middays from 9 a.m. to noon. But the remarks in Englands note, which soon after appeared in the press, did not rise to the level of defamation under Illinois state law, according to an order issued Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Ronald Guzman dismissing the case. Much like McGurren made allegations attached as a filing in another former WTMX employees suit, Ashrafi is using a similar legal maneuver. It just brings alertness and focus to the game., White Sox notebook: Benintendi, Anderson, Alberto, Saturdays win. By November 2019, I could not stand to be in that hostile work environment another day. McGurren spent most of . Amidst the continuing allegations, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, saying he will be sidelined through October. 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. 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." He calls her the secret weapon, and continues with, theres something unique about her, something super appealing, that is so central to the show, and hes not wrong according to fans. 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. Bye bye., Ferguson, who was not involved in the negotiations between Mandell and Hubbard, said: "I was surprised and disappointed when I heard the news, but I think it's important to be supportive when someone chooses to do something new in their life.". Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. 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. You have permission to edit this article. By. But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. Facebook gives people the. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit. 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. The suit against Ferguson states that in 2004 she stopped providing oral sex in response to his demands, which he allegedly made by using the code words I need a back rub. She said Ferguson taunted her with the phrase throughout her remaining tenure at the station. He was sidelined from his popular morning radio show last year. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Hubbard. Coldwell Banker Eric Ferguson, the longtime morning show host on WTMX-FM/101.9, sold his Hinsdale mansion for less than he paid for it. 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. decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim, Column: For the Chicago Blackhawks remodel to work, their new house had better be built on a strong foundation, Merrillville food and beverage tax edging closer to reality, Remains found in Rockdale more than 25 years ago identified as Aurora woman, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. 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. It finished first among women between 35 and 64. 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. She is such a proud mom. similar defamation lawsuit filed by Cynthia DeNicolo, Hubbard parted ways with the morning host. Hubbard Radio/Chicago VP/Market Manager Jeff England said in a memo to employees on October 5 that the company "thoroughly investigated this matter previously. 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. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. 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 Honestly, let her not forget that. 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 court agrees with Hubbard that the statements have nothing to do with DeNicolos conduct on the job.. DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. Right now, thats a fair assessment. Thank you for all those great messages. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. 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. Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. 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. Moving to Chicago was a natural move for her. 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. Mom 1st. She reiterated that position in a demand for arbitration filed June 24, 2021. The Mix and its corporate owners have been engaged in a coverup that is now exposed as a lie, Caruso told the Tribune. Tuesdays comment of the day: Rita Buda: I can't wait to listen to Rick O'Dell's top 12 smooth jazz Christmas tunes. OK, love you all. 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. DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. 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.. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. Valderrama said the analysis in McGurrens lawsuit was applicable and persuasive in DeNicolos case because the companys published statements in both situations were similar. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. PHILADELPHIA, PA - May 6, 2021 - 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. 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. Her new role will make them direct competitors. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. Last December Hubbard filed to have DeNicolos suit dismissed and to strike some of the allegations in her second amended complaint. 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. 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She grew up in Portage, Indiana, which is not too far. 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 . How would you rate this article? -. 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. (Todd Rosenberg Photography) McGurren was offered a. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. She's seeking $10 million in damages. How could we improve it? Her new role will make them direct competitors. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". 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.
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