She has not commented publicly about why she left. A surprise to everyone, it was announced that Kathy had been fired from Eric & Kathy by The Mix radio station. This is bizarre., Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. What were the circumstances surrounding her departure? In the end, it wasnt until a few months later that an official announcement was made. McGurren left her job because she could no longer stand Ferguson's harassment and management's refusal to do anything about it, according to the lawsuit filed Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. Lifestyle and caller-driven, the morning show not only featured interviews with celebrity guests, but it also included in-studio musical performances, conversations with listeners, discussions of relationships and life decisions, and more. Melissa started her radio career in the Hoosier State in Hammond and Merrillville before becoming the sidekick/traffic reporter at THE MIX. Has she returned to the radio? In a complaint filed with the U.S. She is a mother. Are you 60 or older? There's something appealing about a song that speaks to a lot of women who aren't ready to settle down and want to have fun instead of the stereotype a woman that just wants to find a man and have babies. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Listen on the show for upcoming events starting soon! Ultimately, it was after she moved to Rockford that she had gotten into radio. I cant even believe this, I am where I am right now. I want to do more than that. While McGurren, who now hosts mornings on Audacy country WUSN 99.5-FM, continues to pursue her claims against the company in arbitration, the case of Cynthia DeNicolo goes on. Her first time on the airwaves since she went on leave from Eric & Kathy that April, she had co-hosted the program with Anita Padilla, Kristen Nicole, Natalie Bomke, and Darlene Hill. I think my future is radio. To their dismay, however, he was unable to make any comments about the situation as Hubbard had requested for them not to do so. I actually feel like I'm friends with them as much as they are with me.<\/p>\n
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3) CSNChicago.com:<\/strong> You've stated that you don't know that much about sports not sure if I can believe that. Former Chicago Radio Co-Host's $10M Defamation Suit Dismissed Actually, I loved those guys but you probably don't remember. Typically they listen to the show anyway and already know the dynamics. "I am confident that at the end of the day the courts will rule and the right outcome will prevail.. In a court filing included with that defamation suit, a former WTMX sales employee alleged Ferguson groped her at a station Christmas party in full view of her husband and co-workers in 2003. No One Injured When Amtrak Engine Runs Off Chicago Union Station Track, Chicago School Mom Uses Pepper Spray To Start Classroom Fight: Police, Senior Prank Gone Wrong In Niles + Chicago Cabaret Week Returns. The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. 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. This was when I was on another morning show. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. McGurrens complaints were added to the suit as evidence that station management ignored Fergusons alleged behavior. Former co-host of radio personality Eric Ferguson accuses him of "Eric in the Morning" host Eric Ferguson, center, stands with former co-host Melissa McGurren, left, and Brian Whip Paruch. Shes dating someone right now, and apparently, his name is Jim. WTMX disc jockey Eric Ferguson speaks to Kaneland Middle School students in 2005. Created by Melissa McGurren. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against 5 Questions with Melissa McGurren - NBC Sports RSN A surprise to everyone, it was announced that Kathy had been fired from, In the end, it was announced that the morning show would be continuing under a different name, What Happened to Kathy from Eric and Kathy? @US99mornings. Experienced a TBI? You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. There are at least 11 that I would pick, but if I can only pick one Chelsea Handler. I love hosting them, I love the people that come and it's just \"a good ol' time.\" Listen on the show for upcoming events starting soon! US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. DeNicolo in May filed a lawsuit against Ferguson accusing him of coercing her into performing sexualfavors. That statement, along with other allegations of misconduct, was included in DeNicolos lawsuit filed in May. Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. Tell us what's wrong with this post? 3) CSNChicago.com: You've stated that you don't know that much about sports not sure if I can believe that. At the age of 8, Melissa was already writing and creating radio shows on cassette tapes to play for her mom. How could we improve it? Her agent was unavailable for comment. These are some of the questions that well hopefully be answering below. the trials and tribulations of motherhood, relationships, etc.). Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. She consistently strives to be the best Melissa she can be and says there is always more to learn through new experiences in life. 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. :), Melissa McCarthy may be a popular name in comedic movie roles, where she is often, Melissa McCarthy is a national treasure. McGurren also spoke many times with a former radio host who worked alongside Ferguson at WTMX about Fergusons inappropriate behavior and the hostile working environment Fergusons conduct created between 2006 and 2017, according to the complaint, which does not identify the former host. I love it. His name is actually Brian Paruch, but hes been called Whip for more than a decade. Right now, the Eric and Kathy Show "feels right.". Until recently he also hosted a podcast on the site. Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. McGurren also suffers severe emotional distress that has manifested in physical symptoms such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, bouts of crying, and panic attacks. 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. Track is another story. She's been with WTMX 101.9 The. 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.". Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. 0. McGurrens harassment claims became public in recent weeks when they were included in a separate defamation lawsuit filed against Hubbard by another former female co-host, Cynthia DeNicolo. Right now, thats a fair assessment. In her defamation suit, McGurren, who worked for 22 years at WTMX, claimed Hubbard did not perform an investigation or conducted "a sham investigation" of her earlier harassment allegations against Ferguson and that Hubbard attacked her credibility and integrity with comments it made to staff about her allegations.McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new . "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. Her EEOC complaint also said Ferguson would frequently and inappropriately touch many younger female employees, or sometimes younger female listeners, at company events in Chicago or abroad in Mexico during company retreats., McGurren said she frequently complained to management about Fergusons terrible behavior. According to a Nov. 24, 2020, email included as part of an exhibit in the amended lawsuit, she wrote to human resources: Ive been mentally and verbally abused, harassed, put into tears, yelled at, belittled, ignored, mocked and my job has been threatened multiple times., [Second woman alleges inappropriate behavior by Eric Ferguson of The Mix radio], McGurrens EEOC complaint alleges the station placed her on a short leave around Thanksgiving 2020, claiming it would investigate her complaints about Ferguson, but instead used the time to begin the process of rebranding to remove my name from the show.. His music will forever be timeless to me. 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. McGurren has sought treatment through therapy as a result.. This comes in the form of e-mails (mostly). If the show ever ends (let's say, 30 years from now), I'll probably just retire. Her successor, Melissa McGurren, left without giving a reason in December 2020. 123 talking about this. Jeff England, vice president and market manager for Hubbard Chicago, said in an emailed statement: We swiftly investigated these claims when they first came to our attention, and we are continuing to evaluate the situation and new information as it develops.. 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. And we are confident of our client's underlying claims against Hubbard and look forward to our hearing in arbitration.". McGurren was offered a contract extension, which much to our surprise she declined, the station said in a statement Wednesday. I'm ok. | I'm ok. My heart is so warm with all the messages. I just In the end, it wasnt until a few months later that an official announcement was made. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. By the time summer rolled around, fans had begun to wonder whether or not she was let go. Moving to Chicago was a natural move for her. In a complaint filed with the U.S. Although the shows needed some work (come on, she was only 8 years old), she decided to pursue a career in radio. Thanks for reading! (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune). She is of Irish, German and Dutch descent. Following the statement, it was made known that the morning show would be continuing in its original format with Eric Ferguson, Melissa McGurren, Cynthia DeNicolo, Brian Paruch, and John Swanson. A woman who accused radio host Eric Ferguson of creating an unbearable work environment has filed a defamation lawsuit against the radio stations parent company claimingit either never looked into her claims or the investigation was a sham.. 'Gilmore Girls'' Melissa McCarthy Is Pregnant - People Latest Job Openings In And Around Chicago, 5 New Properties On The Market In And Around The Chicago Area, Mike'd Up: How A Chicagoan's Ditka-Inspired Bachelor Party Went Viral. 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 assistant producer of Eric in the Morning, alleged Ferguson coerced sexual favors from her in 2004, then retaliated against her for years after she put a stop to it, according to her lawsuit, filed by attorney Carmen Caruso. No One Injured When Amtrak Engine Runs Off Chicago Union Station Track, Chicago School Mom Uses Pepper Spray To Start Classroom Fight: Police, Senior Prank Gone Wrong In Niles + Chicago Cabaret Week Returns. Do tell. Melissa McGurren, co-host of Eric Fergusons morning show, said Wednesday the truth will come out about her departure from WTMX-FM 101.9 after more than two decades with the contemporary music station. At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. MELISSA McGURREN! She grew up in Portage, Indiana, which is not too far. They weren't around very long. Former Eric Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren files suit, alleging Feder: McGurren calls Eric Ferguson 'serial abuser of women'; he'll be Yeah that's right. Plus -- I'm looking for a charity that I can really be involved in that deals with animals. Solk did not respond to a Tribune request for comment through entertainment company Audacy, where he is now vice president of programming and operations for its Chicago market. 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. The couple, who have two teenage daughters together, have been married since 2005. Eric Ferguson Off The Air For Now, Melissa Speaks Out: Reports Honestly, let her not forget that. Besides, David Grohl is dreamy. A radio personality, Kathy Hart gained fame as one-half of. ", In court documents made public Tuesday, McGurren said Ferguson abused his power in the workplace and made the station a "hostile" place to work, calling him a "serial abuser of women." CHICAGO - A third woman accused popular Chicago radio host Eric Ferguson of inappropriate behavior in court documents filed Tuesday. He so harassed her about the setup that in June 2020 she went back into the studio with him, even though I felt very unsafe doing so, her complaint alleges. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. Ferguson will be off the air through October, according to an email England sent Tuesday to employees that was obtained by the Tribune. McGurren: Well you can believe it. I don't know much about sports. According to reports, the co-host had been fired by Hubbard Radio, the owner of The Mix station. DeNicolos defamation suit included a copy of a complaint McGurren filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in which McGurren detailed Fergusons demeaning behavior and called him a serial abuser of women. DeNicolo is also represented by Caruso. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. Melissa McCarthys, Many people are familiar with actor Drake Bell. Last fall, fans were shocked to learn that Kathy Hart had been let go from her radio show, What has Kathy been up to since? 2) CSNChicago.com: Being a public figure as a radio personality naturally opens up your personal life to your listeners (i.e. She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. (Todd Rosenberg Photography). Tell us CSNChicago.com readers want to hear about it! As far as we know, she has not returned to radio since then. Soon afterward, it was revealed that she had actually been fired from the program by the station itself, The Mix. From there, she would go on to co-host WTMXs Eric & Kathy with Eric Ferguson in 1996. Shes a lot more local than most people assume. Details of McGurrens allegations emerged in an amended defamation lawsuit that another former WTMX employee, Cynthia DeNicolo, filed last week against the owner of the station, Hubbard Radio Chicago. Chicago radio host Melissa McGurren on Thursday accused her former employer, Hubbard Radio Chicago, of defamation in a new lawsuit that includes fresh allegations that WTMX-FM management. Right now, the Eric and Kathy Show \"feels right.\"<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2) CSNChicago.com:<\/strong> Being a public figure as a radio personality naturally opens up your personal life to your listeners (i.e. Wednesdays comment of the day: Charles Schutt: Isn't joining NewsNation now pretty comparable to wanting a deckchair on the Andrea Doria or the Titanic AS they are going down? Ryan Reynolds & Blake Lively Hold Hands on Afternoon Stroll Around NYC For those whod like to keep up with Kathy, shes relatively active on Twitter at @KathyHartCgo (she had changed her handle from @KathyTheMix after the incident). Latest Job Openings In And Around Chicago, 5 New Properties On The Market In And Around The Chicago Area, Mike'd Up: How A Chicagoan's Ditka-Inspired Bachelor Party Went Viral. 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. This year, organizers expect that number to be surpassed. Likely in the capacity of on-air, but as long as there is growth with the Eric and Kathy Show, both on the air and in the studio, I'll be there. Born and raised in Chicago, Kathy spent the majority of her early life in Crystal Lake. Actress: The Young and the Restless. (Michael Walker/for the Chicago Tribune). At the time, she also said the statement put out by The Mix regarding her departure was "not accurate. 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. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. I went through a time of just wanting to have fun myself and so have my girlfriends. Can I add a fourth? 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. 2018 Recent Updates, EveryTable After Shark Tank 2018 Update, CertifiKid 2023 Update What Happened After Shark Tank, Beyond Sushi 2023 Update What Happened After Shark Tank, Lance Reddick, Known for John Wick and The Wire Roles, Dead at 60, Popular Paleo and Keto Diets Can Be Harming Your Heart, Eagle Who Adopted a Rock Is Now a Real Dad, Woman Shot Dead After Pulling Up In Wrong Driveway, Boys Born to Mothers with COVID-19 May Have Altered Brain Development. [Former WTMX staffer sues Eric in the Morning host Eric Ferguson, alleging radio star coerced sexual favors], In her EEOC complaint, McGurren said Ferguson for years made insulting comments about her appearance, on air and in front of co-workers, including telling her what to wear. CSNChicago.com: Anything you'd like to promote Melissa? She apologized for her absence from the show and assured fans that her family is healthy in a video posted to social media Dec. 3. Heres a fun fact: Shes been writing and creating her own radio shows since she was a little girl of only 8. She has excellent taste. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. 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. In her EEOC complaint, McGurren said the discrimination against her dates to 2005 and she complained dozens of times from 2010 to 2018 to Mary Ellen Kachinske, the stations program director at the time. A report that highlighted the economic impact of Sueos Music Festival found that more than 900 jobs were created thanks to the two-day event. Judge turns down bid by ex-Chicago radio host to reboot $10M defamation Ive always wanted to work at the Mix, and this is not how I saw things coming, so here I sit. To this day, however, no official explanation has been given regarding her leave. How would you rate this article? She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. Anyone remember Tim and Willy, on Kick's Country? She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. The complaint says McGurren knew this host had complained on their behalf to Kachinske and Greg Solk, who served as Hubbard senior vice president of programming before leaving the company in 2016. People share their stories with me. Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. McGurrens suit claims the false statements against her by Hubbard were made so the company could continue to keep a serial sexual abuser employed and profit from Fergusons show Eric in the Morning at the expense of Melissa and all other women whom Ferguson has abused and exploited.. Eric Ferguson, from left, Melissa McGurren and Kathy Hart work on "Eric & Kathy" on Nov. 11, 2009. PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Ryan Reynolds Ferguson's former co-host, Melissa McGurren, filed the $10 million lawsuit last fall. Although the shows needed some work (come on, she was only 8 years old), she decided to pursue a career in radio. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Un reporte que destacaba el impacto econmico de Sueos Music Festival concluy que se haban creado ms de 900 puestos de trabajo gracias al evento de dos das de duracin.