The weekend also brought polite responses declining to comment from Ferguson and England. And we are confident of our client's underlying claims against Hubbard and look forward to our hearing in arbitration.". 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. Judge dismisses defamation case against WTMX owner, Netflix looks to curb password sharing, considers ads, Aiming to predict COVID, future pandemics better, CDC opens infectious diseases forecasting center, Joliet farmers wrangle cows thrown from semitrailer after crash on Interstate 80, 1 killed, 3 wounded in shootings Tuesday in Chicago, Obama relatives sue Milwaukee school alleging racial bias, Unmasked transit: Pritzker ends mask mandates in public transportation, airports, Charges filed after Loop Target worker is stabbed while confronting shoplifter, The Edgar haircut is one more thing kids, parents can disagree on, Dear Abby: When I travel, friend checking my home also snoops through my things, Meet the new face of the 26th Street business corridor, Mexican parade date announced, Sueos ampla la lista de DJs locales y negocios latinos en el festival de Grant Park, Sueos bringing bigger roster of local DJs, Latino-owned businesses to Grant Park festival, Gua de Verano 2023: Eventos latinos en Chicago, Summer Guide 2023: Latino events abound in Chicago. Former WTMX radio host Melissa McGurren's defamation lawsuit dismissed She also described a pattern of abuse against women at the station by Ferguson. I don't want to donate money (I already do that). I love my job, I love radio and I can't imagine not being on the air. She says what she wants, does what she wants, is very funny and I still think deep down she is a pretty nice lady. ", McGurren became the third woman to accuse Ferguson following former producer Cynthia DeNicolo and former sales employee Kristen Mori, who said Ferguson groped her at a holiday party and station management "turned a blind eye. She released a video to her own Facebook account that says shes sorry for her absence and that shes all right. She is of Irish, German and Dutch descent. Born and raised in Chicago, Kathy spent the majority of her early life in Crystal Lake. Typically they listen to the show anyway and already know the dynamics. She did promise her followers back in October that she would reveal him sooner or later, but shes yet to do so. Melissa McGurren, former morning co-host on WTMX 101.9-FM,. 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.. By. Study opportunity available! Although the shows needed some work (come on, she was only 8 years old), she decided to pursue a career in radio. I don't know much about sports. Give us your feedback and you could earn a prize, Highland council candidates aim to improve town business climate, transparency, Paul Johnsons Aurora, Elgin, Naperville baseball rankings and player of the week, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. The amended defamation suit against Hubbard includes details of McGurrens ongoing efforts to seek compensation through the EEOC complaint and an arbitration process. The arbitration document states Ferguson also called her stupid and lazy. When she would complain to Ferguson, it alleges, he ignored McGurren and would do this by raising his hand in front of her face to shush her as Ferguson described this gesture or by yelling at McGurren that (in words or substance) she did not know what she was talking about.. Can I add a fourth? McGurrens complaint also said she spoke over 10 times about Ferguson to Jimmy Steal, who replaced Kachinske in 2019, and that Steal told McGurren thats just the way (Ferguson) is and all radio geniuses act like that., Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. After studying business in college, Tiffany embarked upon a career she never dreamed of. 1) CSNChicago.com: Melissa, first off, congrats to you and your fellow cast of characters on the massive success of the Eric and Kathy Show. Though he ultimately did not reveal much, he did divulge that the situation had the potential to be really difficult. With that said, he was happy to know that it had turned into an unbelievably positive experience.. In response, Jeff England, vice president and market manager of Hubbard Radio Chicago, sent an email to staff published here that read in part: "This is not a new development, and weve thoroughly investigated this matter previously. Melissa was born at Bethesda Naval Hospital (Walter Reed Military) in Maryland to Lt. Cdr Michael Cashman 2nd and Constance Ann Schumacher. 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. 'Such a mess': Former employee at 'The Mix' speaks out amid Eric I don't want to donate money (I already do that). 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. 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. While so many people tend to move to Chicago from far away, she is not one of those people. (Michael Walker/for the Chicago Tribune). This was when I was on another morning show. She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for abusive. 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. ANY Frank Sinatra song is fantastic!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n BONUS QUESTION! Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. What Happened to Kathy Hart from Eric and Kathy? - 2018 Update Mar 21. Melissa McGurren (@melissamcgurren) / Twitter 10 Things You Didn't Know about Melissa McGurren - TVOvermind I don't know much about sports. Hubbard Radio Chicago perpetuated the culture that made a toxic workplace possible. I think my future is radio. Former Chicago Radio Co-Host's $10M Defamation Suit Dismissed Anyone remember Tim and Willy, on Kick's Country? After being missing from "Eric In The Morning" for the past several weeks, Hubbard Hot AC "101.9 The Mix" WTMX Skokie/Chicago has revealed that co-host Melissa McGurren is departing the station after declining a contract extension offered to her. Melissa started her radio career in the Hoosier State in Hammond and Merrillville before becoming the sidekick\/traffic reporter at THE MIX. In the latest Nielsen Audio survey, mornings on The Mix tied for fifth place overall with a 4.5 percent share and cumulative weekly audience of 339,200. As the aforementioned primary sidekick to E & K, do you have any aspirations to one day soon have your own radio show? Former co-host of radio personality Eric Ferguson accuses him of \"With a twinkle in his eye, he stole my heart. Her agent was unavailable for comment. Michael Jackson -- Like most people, I started listening to his music again after his sad death. Plus -- I'm looking for a charity that I can really be involved in that deals with animals. 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. So boys, don't just jump to conclusions on the ladies. I get why people love sports. McGurren left her job because she could no longer stand Fergusons harassment and managements refusal to do anything aboutit, according to the lawsuit filed Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court. In a complaint filed with the U.S. Regular news and features by award-winning author and investigative reporter. This marks the second co-host to exit Eric Ferguson's morning show in recent years, after the departure of Kathy Hart in 2017. What had led her to be let go from the radio show? 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. The pair had seven children together during their long marriage, and Gibson added to the family in a new relationship shortly after he separated from his wife. The station publicly announced Dec. 16 that she did not renew her contract and would be leaving The Mix statements McGurren said in her complaint were false and defamatory. Her father was a specialist in under-water bomb disposal and her mother had a Masters' in early childhood education. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. 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). Kathy Hart, Fergusons longtime morning show co-host, departed WTMX in 2017 without explanation. Judge turns down bid by ex-Chicago radio host to reboot $10M defamation At least four women have accused Ferguson of misconduct, which led the host of "Eric In the Morning" to leave the station last October. Moreover, the email does not discuss any particular factual allegations, and the Court disagrees with Plaintiffs position that by referring generally to Plaintiffs EEOC Charge in his email, England was specifically incorporating Plaintiffs numerous factual allegations and branding Plaintiff a liar as to each.. I contend that Eric Ferguson is a serial abuser of women and that for many years, the management of The Mix 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 wrote in a December complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. So boys, don't just jump to conclusions on the ladies. CHICAGO Radio Hall of Famer Eric Ferguson of "Eric In The Morning" will be off the air until at least the end of October amidst sexual and professional misconduct allegations, according to media columnist Robert Feder. 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. The UChicago Men's Soccer team has won the Div3 National Championship for the first time ever! Ive always wanted to work at the Mix, and this is not how I saw things coming. She recently landed a job as a morning show co-host at the Audacy station WUSN-FM 99.5. Ferguson, a Radio Hall of Famer and once Chicago's highest paid radio personality, stepped down in October after 25 years at The Mix. CHICAGO After three women have accused radio host Eric Ferguson of fostering a sexist and hostile work environment, a former 101.9 FM "The Mix" employee is speaking out. As far as we know, she has not returned to radio since then. To back this claim, McGurrens suit includes a statement from a third former co-host, Jennifer Ashrafi, who says she warned a Hubbard executive before she left the station in January 2020 of the toxicand hostile work environment toward women that existed on The Mixs morning shows. [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. She also claimed Ferguson engineered her dismissal. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. I've gone to some games myself and have thoroughly enjoyed all that goes on, be it the tailgating, the camaraderie, etc. Driven by the pairs natural chemistry, it quickly became the most top-rated radio program within three years. 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. 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. McGurren: Ok, first up, give me some old Dixie Chicks and I'm pretty much in heaven. Friday's comment of the day: Linda Shafran: Deloris MeBain was a sparkling light at NBC Tower. May she rest in power. Gilmore Girls actress Melissa McCarthy is expecting her first child with actor hubby Ben Falcone, her rep Jack Ketsoyan tells PEOPLE exclusively. She's back: US99 hires Melissa McGurren to host mornings 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 . Ultimately, it was after she moved to Rockford that she had gotten into radio. Understandably, the whole situation would have been stressful and frustrating for the former co-host. Ferguson will be off the air through October, according to an email England sent Tuesday to employees that was obtained by the Tribune. Ok, so that's super cheesy," she says, but it's completely true. She became a stay-at-home mom and writer with her own blog. She's been with WTMX 101.9 The. I know this is exactly where Im supposed to be, and I couldnt be happier to make this new move in my career.. A Northwest Indiana native and Riverside resident, McGurren started at the station as a traffic reporter. Former Chicago radio host Melissa McGurren can't try again to sue her former employer, Hubbard Radio, for defamation, as a Chicago federal judge again found an executive at radio station WTMX did not claim McGurren lied under oath when he said the company did "not agree with Melissa's characterization of events" surrounding her claims of workplace harassment against her former on-air . @US99mornings. 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! We provide the most recent, unbiased accounts of the news that matters to you. Are you 60 or older? McGurren ultimately left in 2020 and later posted an emotional video on Instagram saying, "The truth will come out." They weren't around very long. 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. Valpo Parks director Siebert retiring, assistant Nuppnau promoted to position. The new love of her life is her son Porter, who was born in December 2010. Desde festivales de danza y gastronoma hasta conciertos y desfiles, los latinos de Chicago tienen mucho que esperar este verano. McGurrens suit claims Hubbards investigation was never conducted or, at a minimum, was a sham investigation.. This year, organizers expect that number to be surpassed. ], Our plans for the future of Eric in the Morning definitely included Melissa, Jeff England, vice president and market manager at Hubbard Chicago which owns and operates the Mix said in the statement. I don't know what the future holds for me. As far as being nervous when pro athletes come in, nahnot really. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()), The Gazette Review is your daily news source covering everything from world news to personal finance. Its become clear that the problems at The Mix go much deeper than a radio personality that behaved very badly for a long time. 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. Cross country star Sara Armstrong outruns people. I've gone to some games myself and have thoroughly enjoyed all that goes on, be it the tailgating, the camaraderie, etc. Michael Jackson -- Like most people, I started listening to his music again after his sad death. DeNicolo has also separately sued Ferguson, alleging he coerced DeNicolo into sexual acts. When Melissa McGurren left her job co-hosting Eric Ferguson's popular morning radio show in December, she said "the truth will come out" about her unexplained departure from the station known. Typically they listen to the show anyway and already know the dynamics. 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-contemporary WTMX 101.9-FM.. McGurren, you'll recall, was co-host of Ferguson's morning show when she left in 2020 after 22 years at The Mix. She is a mother. This was when I was on another morning show. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. 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. 5) CSNChicago.com: Name your Top 3 favorite songs/artists that would NEVER be played on The Mix? You have entered an incorrect email address! McGurren currently works as a host at the country station, US99. Radio host Eric Ferguson and former WTMX assistant producer Cynthia Skolak, now Cynthia DeNicolo, at the station's studio in August 2004. We will hold them accountable, said McGurrens attorney Carmen Caruso. Her new role will make them direct competitors. 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.. 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. -. "Im energized to move forward and defend myself against claims made against me and the station, and look forward to seeing them through to their conclusion," Ferguson said at the time. Another lawsuit filed in connection to harassment claims against radio Actress: The Young and the Restless. Guzman also provided McGurren with a window of time to amend her complaint and gave Hubbard 14 days to respond to her amended filing. Judge dismisses defamation case against WTMX owner - Chicago Sun-Times 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. I succumbed to his pressure, and because of the social media post, I received many unwanted sexual comments from men on social media.. McGurren: When I first started, I didn't mind talking about some aspects of my life. McGurren wrote that Ferguson knew she complained to management and this caused his alleged harassment to escalate. McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. In a complaint filed with the U.S. Was/is that particular aspect of your job difficult for you or do you feel that it is just an absolute requirement in order to further connect to your audience? Melissa McGurren won't be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but she's very famous in her own town. Fergusons conduct this day humiliated McGurren, as Ferguson intended. I love it. 0. While she hasnt returned to WTMX-FM 101.9, she did go on to make a guest appearance on Good Day Chicago last September. A radio personality, Kathy Hart gained fame as one-half of. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune). CSNChicago.com has your fix as we put the city's most popular personalities on the spot with everyone's favorite local celeb feature entitled 5 Questions with On Wednesdays, exclusively on CSNChicago.com, its our turn to grill the local media and other local VIPs with five random sports and non-sports related questions that will definitely be of interest to old and new fans alike.<\/p>\n This weeks guest a standout cast member of the enormously popular Eric and Kathy Show on 101.9 FM THE MIX shes a Northwest Indiana native whose love of media and personal drive to make it in the crazy world of radio broadcasting landed her at just about the best place one can hope to be at in the biz plus, she's pretty damn funny too here are 5 Questions with MELISSA McGURREN!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n BIO:<\/strong> Moving to Chicago wasn't a far trip for Melissa McGurren, who grew up in Portage, Ind. 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. 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 . 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. While he described the events as very strange and unpredictable, he admitted that he had felt energized and rejuvenated following her official departure. Desde festivales de danza y gastronoma hasta conciertos y desfiles, los latinos de Chicago tienen mucho que esperar este verano. I did a different show (for a short time). They introduce themselves when we're out and they attend our functions. Radio host Eric Ferguson works in the WTMX-FM studio with Melissa McGurren, center, and former co-host Kathy Hart in 2009. "It's become clear that the problems at The Mix go much deeper than a radio personality that behaved very badly for a long time. We talk about a lot of things non-sports related so I'm fine in that aspect. All kidding aside, who knows what path the future holds, but when something "feels right", I just go with it. Ryan Reynolds & Blake Lively Hold Hands on Afternoon Stroll Around NYC According to reports, the co-host had been fired by Hubbard Radio, the owner of The Mix station. An attorney for Hubbard Radio Chicago didnt immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Free Professional Website Design & SEO for Veteran-Owned Businesses, Serve Your Community in a Uniformed Service. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. 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. In his ruling, Gomez cited the legal statute opinions that do not misstate facts are protected by the First Amendment and are non-actionable. Experienced a TBI? I actually feel like I'm friends with them as much as they are with me. Thanks for reading! 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. Besides allegations of a hostile work environment, defamation and infliction of emotional distress, McGurren contended she was intentionally paid less than men in similar or comparable positions., Attorneys for Ferguson did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday.