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. 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. Report: Chicago Radio Host Melissa McGurren Sues WTMX Mom 1st. She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. Dismissal of Melissa McGurren's defamation suit doesn't end legal 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. Right now, thats a fair assessment. The arbitrator in McGurrens EEOC case ruled in Hubbards favor earlier this year. In his ruling, Gomez cited the legal statute opinions that do not misstate facts are protected by the First Amendment and are non-actionable. 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. 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. 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. 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. Her writing gained recognition and since 2009, she's written for sites such as What to Expect, Where'd My Sanity Go, and dozens more. Melissa McGurren - Facebook She's back: US99 hires Melissa McGurren to host mornings Melissa McGurren, former morning co-host on WTMX 101.9-FM, worked at the Hubbard Radio Chicago station that's more popularly known as The Mix for more than two decades before leaving in 2020. I wish I could fully express my gratitude and happiness about joining the US99 team, McGurren said in a statement. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Hubbard. 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. It's hard to choose, they all sound so great. 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." 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." McGurren and her agent, attorney Steve Mandell, declined requests for comment. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurrens effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. A defamation claim by former Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren was dismissed earlier this year. In January 2020, I resigned after I lined up another job.. Hubbard Radio Wants Court To Dismiss Defamation Suits From Eric She is expected to be paid through the end of the year, when her contract expires. Attorney Carmen Caruso, who represents both women, declined Tuesday to comment on Valderramas ruling. Facebook gives people the. Whatever Happened to Brian Buckner from Barnwood Builders? Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. 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. 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. Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission was an opinion and therefore did not constitute defamation. In her lawsuit against Ferguson, DeNicolo alleged that he blocked raises and promotions, then orchestrated her dismissal after she refused to resume a brief sexual relationship that occurred early in her career. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. "We're incredibly excited to be growing . The Mix and its corporate owners have been engaged in a coverup that is now exposed as a lie, Caruso told the Tribune. You have permission to edit this article. 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. Melissa McGurren Profiles | Facebook By November 2019, I could not stand to be in that hostile work environment another day. Melissa McGurren & Austin Huff To Host Mornings At US99 Melissa McGurren, Eric Ferguson's morning show co-host, on leaving WTMX They miss her, they want to see her back, and they are missing what she brings to the mix when shes on the air. 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. 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. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissa's characterization of events.". Now, in her defamation suit, McGurren accuses Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. 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. She's a radio host, and she has a huge fan base. I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. 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 Chicago Tribune reports. 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." 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. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. Collectively, this roster will super serve Chicagos country music audience as the standalone country station in the market, Williamson said. 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. How could we improve it? But two weeks later, McGurrens lawyer filed a motion for voluntary dismissal of the appeal. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. 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? Believer of love, kindness, truth and honesty. 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 while responding to her harassment claims against former co-host Eric Ferguson. When she informed me of her decision, she described her time at the station as a privilege and that feeling is completely mutual. "We're incredibly excited to be growing our US99 family and making mornings . Nazareth won its fourth state trophy since 2019, and more importantly the programs first state title. 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 . McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that Ferguson created an unbearably hostile work environment. Ferguson stepped down as host of the popular show in October, amid outcry over McGurrens allegations and claims of sexual assault and workplace harassment made by other female employees of The Mix.. 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. 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Last December Hubbard filed to have DeNicolos suit dismissed and to strike some of the allegations in her second amended complaint. "I love Chicago and country music and I've never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. McGurren comes from Hubbard Broadcasting crosstown hot AC "101.9 FM The Mix" WTMX, where she spent more than two decades, first as a traffic reporter then as co-host of "Eric in the Morning." I love Chicago and country music and Ive never been more confident in an opportunity or my team. 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. The judges ruling is with prejudice, meaning DeNicolo cannot file an amended complaint. Executives from the radio station said at the time they were surprised McGurren declined a contract extension. She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. McGurren was one of three female former station employees to raise allegations about Ferguson in court filings after DeNicolo filed her lawsuits. DeNicolo was laid off from the station in May 2020 after a nearly 20-year career. 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, Robert Feder writes. Thanks for reading! Former WTMX Morning Co-Host Melissa McGurren Files $10 Million Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. Terms of her multiyear deal, negotiated by attorney Steve Mandell, were not disclosed. It's official: The Mix bids farewell to morning co-star Melissa McGurren In court filings, McGurren said Ferguson demeaned, harassed and ridiculed her when they worked together. 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.. 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. Hubbard Radios statement that the company thoroughly investigated McGurrens allegations is false, according to McGurrens suit, as reported by the Tribune. 13 talking about this. 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 . 0. Shes always wanted to be in the business, and she always wanted to do things like this that she loves so much. On Aug. 16, the appeals court issued a mandate dismissing the case. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty). 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. Third woman accuses radio host Eric Ferguson of inappropriate behavior Fans have been worried. Michael Jackson, for instance, is a huge favorite for her. It all comes just as Ferguson is back from his latest surgery for spinal stenosis, a procedure involving spinal decompression and disc fusion. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. She also loves artists like the Foo Fighters. 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. 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. 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.". Thank you for all those great messages. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. Overall the station ranked 13th with a 2.6 share and weekly cume of 710,900. 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. Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com. She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for [] 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. 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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. "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. The judge on Friday ruled that the station's statement regarding a complaint made by McGurren to the U.S. The Audacy station is pairing up Melissa McGurren and Austin Huff to host morning drive on WUSN-FM. Theres still some major concerns. 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. Join Facebook to connect with Melissa McGurren and others you may know. 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. 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. Read the entire Chicago Tribune article here. McGurren currently co-hosts mornings at Audacy crosstown country US99 WUSN. Radio Ink. :). DeNicolo has also filed a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio Chicago. Moving to Chicago was a natural move for her. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. Her new role will make them direct competitors. 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. After taking Ferguson off the air last October following a series of allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of power by former female co-workers, Hubbard parted ways with the morning host last November. In a declaration attached to McGurrens defamation suit, Ashrafi said the station was a hostile, humiliating atmosphere for female employees. Englands internal email is an informational communication to Plaintiffs former coworkers and defendants current employees, Guzman wrote. Eric Ferguson attends a Rosemont concert in 2015. McGurren spent most of . 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. Former WTMX radio host Melissa McGurren's $10 million defamation suit Report: Chicago Radio Host Melissa McGurren Sues WTMX Veteran Chicago radio personality Melissa McGurren's effort to revive her $10 million defamation suit against Hubbard Radio has ended. 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. McGurren said she quit the station in 2020 after years of complaining about Fergusons on- and off-air behavior, claims she said were ignored by station executives who sought to protect the popular host. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. McGurren accused Hubbard of intending to injure her and jeopardize her new career. One Month In, WUSN Chicago's New Morning Team Is Making Itself At Home. 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. Her coworker, Whip, calls her the secret weapon on their show. 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. After McGurren left WTMX, in December 2020, she filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. 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. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against 1 talking about this. Lefty reliever Brandon Hughes also has been on a later game schedule after a heavy workload last season. 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 called Ferguson a serial abuser of women, station management pulled Ferguson off the air, a separate $10 million defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio. Owner of 'The Mix' didn't defame former assistant who accused host Eric She is a huge fan of different genres of music that would never be played on her own station. I really truly am. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free. McGurren alleged management did nothing about her concerns, then forced her out in December. McGurren first made her accusations in a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, shortly after leaving the station in December 2020. Hubbard also asked Judge Franklin Valderrram to consider Judge Guzmans rationale and toss DeNicolos complaint for the same reasons. His name is actually Brian Paruch, but hes been called Whip for more than a decade. 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. 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. McGurren, who claimed the company defamed her when it responded to her harassment charges against former Mix co-host Eric Ferguson, filed an amended appeal July 29 in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh District. Former Chicago Radio Co-Host's $10M Defamation Suit Dismissed 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 . DeNicolos position is that the statements not only accuse her of on-the-job malfeasance but also prejudice her in her trade and profession. The duo will be heard on "Melissa and Austin," weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CT, effective May 10. Guzman also provided McGurren with a window of time to amend her complaint and gave Hubbard 14 days to respond to her amended filing. Eric in the Morning is expected to continue with current contributors Violeta Podrumedic and Brian Whip Paruch and producer John Swany Swanson. She collaborated with the NFL, CDC, and Heads Up Football Program in 2012 and 2013. The decision mirrors another federal judges earlier decision dismissing McGurrens defamation claim against Hubbard. The breakup came less than a year after the ubiquitous duo known as "Eric & Kathy" were inducted in the Radio Hall of Fame. 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. 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. View the profiles of people named Melissa McGurren. Melissa McGurren - Facebook Not so, Valderrama wrote in his 20-page opinion and order. McGurren, who left the show in late 2020 after 22 years, has said in court filings that. Guzman denied a motion to reconsider the case in April and denied McGurrens motion to amend her complaint on June 30. She's been with WTMX 101.9 The. 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. Tiffany and her husband are the proud parents of four children in her free time. 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. Im honored to wake up with this city every morning, and I cannot wait to have a ton of fun in the process.. She's seeking $10 million in damages. 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. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren.
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