'Talking Dead' staffers exit show as Chris Hardwick returns after sex abuse investigation

Aug. 12--Chris Hardwick is set to return as host of AMC's "Talking Dead" on Sunday, but not all of his colleagues will be greeting him with open arms.

The Wrap reports that a female executive producer and a "handful" of other employees have exited the talk show after Hardwick returned from a suspension following the network's investigation into allegations of sexual abuse.

Hardwick was accused in June of controlling behavior and physical, sexual and emotional abuse in an online essay published by ex-girlfriend Chloe Dykstra, 29.

Dykstra, an actress, kept her alleged abuser's identity anonymous, but readers quickly identified the Nerdist co-founder based on several descriptors.

AMC launched an investigation into the claims that same month, but said in July it had reinstated Hardwick as the host of "Talking Dead" after "careful review."

Sunday's show marks his return to the network. He previously backed out of a trio of panels for AMC and BBC America at San Diego Comic-Con.

Dykstra, meanwhile, said on Twitter that she chose not to participate in AMC's investigation, as it was never her intention to "ruin the career of the person I spoke about."

Hardwick, 46, has denied all of Dykstra's allegations, and said he was "blindsided" and "devastated" by her claims.

"Our three-year relationship was not perfect -- we were ultimately not a good match and argued -- even shouted at each other -- but I loved her, and did my best to uplift and support her as a partner and companion in any way and at no time did I sexually assault her," he said in a statement.

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