You have entered an incorrect email address! McGurren also accused Ferguson of grossly abusing his power and that his behavior created a hostile work environment. She says what she wants, does what she wants, is very funny and I still think deep down she is a pretty nice lady. On Tuesday, former. 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. For their contributions, both Eric and Kathy were inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2016. Free Learn for Life Webinar: Entrepreneurship Fundamentals. Get the best water damage restoration in Chicago right now! WUSN-FM (US99)/Chicago morning co-host Melissa McGurren has filed a defamation lawsuit against her former employer, crosstown Hubbard Radio, reports the Chicago Tribune.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 suit states the woman, who was around 25 when she began working at The Mix, was pressured to give Ferguson oral sex twice a month and babysit his children for almost a decade. I will say Ive been trying to figure out the best way to handle it, but that statement was not accurate. McGurren also suffers severe emotional distress that has manifested in physical symptoms such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, bouts of crying, and panic attacks. 4) CSNChicago.com: If you could be one celebrity for one week, who would it be and why? From 2009 to 2010, he was dating . DeNicolo was laid off in May 2020. Cheryl Corley, Greg Kot win Headline Club Lifetime Achievement Awards, 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. When Melissa McGurren left her job co-hosting Eric Fergusons popular morning radio show in December, she said the truth will come out about her unexplained departure from the station known as The Mix. We will hold them accountable, said McGurrens attorney Carmen Caruso. The couple wed in . 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. This was when I was on another morning show. As far as being nervous when pro athletes come in, nahnot really. His music will forever be timeless to me. While she hasnt returned to WTMX-FM 101.9, she did go on to make a guest appearance on, From there, she would go on to co-host WTMXs. It acknowledges the existence of plaintiffs pending EEOC claim, does not discuss particular facts, and simply indicates that the station has conducted its own investigations and does not agree with Plaintiffs characterization of events a classic statement of opinion.. Shes a lot more local than most people assume. The coercion was that if I did not do what Ferguson was commanding, I risked losing my job, McGurren wrote. 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! imgur. Fergusons conduct this day humiliated McGurren, as Ferguson intended. In the end, it wasnt until a few months later that an official announcement was made. Melissa McGurren (@melissamcgurren) / Twitter His music will forever be timeless to me. 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. Understandably, the whole situation would have been stressful and frustrating for the former co-host. (Todd Rosenberg Photography). Soon afterward, it was revealed that she had actually been fired from the program by the station itself, The Mix. Blackhawks star Patrick Sharp, for example, regularly appears on the show as do other athletes from time to time. 3) CSNChicago.com: You've stated that you don't know that much about sports not sure if I can believe that. "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. Ferguson's lawyers filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit last month, but did not respond to Patch's request for comment. 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." 10 Things You Didn't Know about Melissa McGurren - TVOvermind The new love of her life is her son Porter, who was born in December 2010. ANY Frank Sinatra song is fantastic!<\/p>\n
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BONUS QUESTION! Regular news and features by award-winning author and investigative reporter. For their contributions, both Eric and Kathy were inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2016. Yeah that's right. 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. Get the best water damage restoration in Chicago right now! Shes been gone from the program long enough that her fans have been a little worried. Shes been with WTMX 101.9 The Mix, for a long time, and suddenly shes gone. Melissa McGurren and Eric Ferguson (Photo: 101.9 The Mix Chicago). McGurren filed her EEOC complaint months later, in December 2020. I've gone to some games myself and have thoroughly enjoyed all that goes on, be it the tailgating, the camaraderie, etc. Are you 60 or older? Robert Feder, a lifelong Chicagoan, covered the media beat in his hometown from 1980 until his retirement in 2022. Melissa McGurren wont be a name you recognize unless you live in Chicago, but shes very famous in her own town. DeNicolo has also filed a separate suit against Hubbard, contending the company made defamatory statements to its employees and the media after the Tribune and others reported last week that she had sued Ferguson in May. "The key to the success of this entertainment based, lifestyle driven show has been its ability to keep the content edgy enough to engage adults but with enough tongue in cheek humor to sail right over the heads of kids," the website states. In a complaint filed with the U.S. Ferguson has not otherwise responded to requests for comment. Ferguson will be off the air through October, according to an email England sent Tuesday to employees that was obtained by the Tribune. @US99mornings. Robservations: WGN Radio jumping the gun on turning 100; ABC 7's Judy Hsu, Ryan Chiaverini host Irish parade; Adam Hoge joins CHGO Sports, 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. 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. 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. She also claimed Ferguson engineered her dismissal. Another lawsuit filed in connection to harassment claims against radio Melissa McGurren to co-host a new morning show on Chicago country 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. Melissa McGurren Drops Attempt To Revive Her Defamation Case Against Radio host Eric Ferguson and former WTMX assistant producer Cynthia Skolak, now Cynthia DeNicolo, at the station's studio in August 2004. 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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. Solk, like Kachinske, did nothing in response to the complaints, McGurren wrote in the EEOC complaint. In her only public comment at the time, McGurren said on social media the truth will come out. 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. 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. McGurren alleged Fergusons comments often were gender based, such as harassing her when she used the bathroom at work or accusing her of having hot flashes in a demeaning and condescending tone., The EEOC complaint states Ferguson coerced McGurren in April 2011 into wearing a bikini and getting a spray tan at work a video of which was posted on social media. Melissa McGurren Retweeted. No reason was cited for the breakup, but reports persisted of friction between Ferguson and McGurren. 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. Melissa McGurren After more. His ruling included three reasons why he was accepting the motion to dismiss by Hubbard. What really has fans upset is that no one has addressed her disappearance from the show. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This was when I was on another morning show. Judge turns down bid by ex-Chicago radio host to reboot $10M defamation So boys, don't just jump to conclusions on the ladies. McGurren provided several examples of Fergusons alleged harassment in the arbitration document. 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. -. What Happened to Melissa McGurren from 101.9 The Mix? Track is another story. She's back: US99 hires Melissa McGurren to host mornings 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. I want to do more than that. Ferguson, a Radio Hall of Famer and once Chicago's highest paid radio personality, stepped down in October after 25 years at The Mix. Besides, David Grohl is dreamy. By. 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. I want to be involved in the creative solutions to stop animal cruelty. Chris Petlak, who co-hosted afternoons on The Mix, was named in January to succeed Ferguson as morning host alongside regular contributors Nikki Chuminatto, Brian Paruch and Violeta Podrumedic and executive producer John Swanson. "Eric & Kathy," dubbed . I definitely know more now that we talk about it on the show, but I don't really follow it. 5) CSNChicago.com: Name your Top 3 favorite songs/artists that would NEVER be played on The Mix? 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? If YOU know how to get me in there to help, email me (Melissa@wtmx.com<\/a>)! Typically, cohosts will announce if youve been on maternity leave, if you are taking personal time, traveling, whatever. I want to be involved in the creative solutions to stop animal cruelty. While she hasnt returned to WTMX-FM 101.9, she did go on to make a guest appearance on Good Day Chicago last September. 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. Suffice it to say that we do not agree with Melissas characterization of events.. BONUS QUESTION! Another woman, former sales employee Kristen Mori, said in a court document that Ferguson groped her at a station Christmas party in 2003. Listen on the show for upcoming events starting soon! The station was aware of the connections before Kluth and McAdams started, Idler added. People share their stories with me. McGurrens suit claims Hubbards investigation was never conducted or, at a minimum, was a sham investigation.. One Month In, WUSN Chicago's New Morning Team Is Making Itself At Home. Judge dismisses defamation case against WTMX owner - Chicago Sun-Times Born and raised in Chicago, Kathy spent the majority of her early life in Crystal Lake. We talk about a lot of things non-sports related so I'm fine in that aspect. 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. I get why people love sports. Typically they listen to the show anyway and already know the dynamics. 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.". (Todd Rosenberg Photography) McGurren was offered a. I'm not looking to host events. It sounds to us like shes your every day proud mom, but let us not forget he is so many of these things because of who she is. In the end, it wasnt until she moved back home to Chicago a few years later, that she was hired at The Mix. A radio personality, Kathy Hart gained fame as one-half of. CSNChicago.com: Anything you'd like to promote Melissa? 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. US99 Chicago Launches New Morning Show. 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. She does not have COVID-19, nor does she have any other health conditions. 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. 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. Typically they listen to the show anyway and already know the dynamics. If YOU know how to get me in there to help, email me (Melissa@wtmx.com)! 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 grew up in Portage, Indiana, which is not too far. When the popularity of the Eric and Kathy Show increased, so did the information about our personal lives. The amended defamation suit against Hubbard includes details of McGurrens ongoing efforts to seek compensation through the EEOC complaint and an arbitration process. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune). What has Kathy been up to since? Not long afterward, the program was renamed asEric in the Morning with Melissa & Whip. 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. The couple, who have two teenage daughters together, have been married since 2005. 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. Melissa McGurren co-hosted a morning show with Eric Ferguson at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. 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. Her father was a specialist in under-water bomb disposal and her mother had a Masters' in early childhood education. "Eric in the Morning" host Eric Ferguson, center, stands with former co-host Melissa McGurren, left, and Brian Whip Paruch. 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.. From dance and food festivals to concerts and parades, Latino Chicagoans have much to look forward to this summer. At the age of 8, Melissa was already writing and creating radio shows on cassette tapes to play for her mom. From there, individuals turned their attention to Steve Mandell, Kathys agent. I did a different show (for a short time). The UChicago Men's Soccer team has won the Div3 National Championship for the first time ever! The station eventually removed the video from social media after the post generated a negative reaction from the morning shows fans.. Melissa McGurren co-hosted Eric Ferguson's morning show at WTMX-FM 101.9 before leaving the Chicago radio station in December 2020. Honestly, let her not forget that. 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. Right now, thats a fair assessment. Former Eric Ferguson co-host Melissa McGurren files suit, alleging She claimed Hubbard falsely branded her as a liar in a staff memo after she reported Ferguson for abusive. New Tradition Chorus "Blast From the Past" with songs of '70s and '80s. They introduce themselves when we're out and they attend our functions. 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.