Season 17 American Idol winner Laine Hardy has been arrested just days before he is set to appear on ABC’s “Great Idol Reunion” special that celebrates American Idol’s 20th anniversary. Hardy posted a cryptic social media statement revealing that he is under investigation by the Louisiana State University Police Department,
“Earlier today, I received a warrant due to allegations made against me and have been fully cooperative with the Louisiana State University Police Department,” Hardy, 21, announced Thursday evening. “I understand that my career has thrust me into the public spotlight, and I embrace that wholeheartedly as my entire world belongs to my music and my fans. However, due to the sensitive nature of this allegation, I humbly ask for privacy at this time. I have the utmost respect for the law and will assist in their investigation as needed moving forward.”
Hardy’s attorney, C. Frank Holthaus, confirmed in a press statement that Hardy “did receive a warrant for his arrest and has been and will continue to be completely cooperative with the Baton Rouge Police Department on this matter. Due to the public nature of Mr. Hardy’s profession, we ask for privacy at this time.”
Although Holthaus and Hardy did not immediately divulge any details about the allegations against him, on Friday morning LSU spokesman Ernie Ballard confirmed Hardy’s arrest via the following statement: “Laine Reed Hardy (Non-LSU student) was arrested by LSU Police today and booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison for violation 15:1303 – Interception and Disclosure of Wire, Electronic, or Oral Communication. His arrest warrant has been filed with the clerk of court.”
The New York Post obtained Hardy’s booking document that stated “the victim… found a fake Instagram on the Defendant’s phone that he used to cover up that he was illegally recording her when he was not around.” The document also states that hardy “had information about the victim and her actions during Christmas break that was not known to the defendant.” When the LSU student confronted Hardy, he “admitted that he left a ‘bug’ in her room but later discarded it in his pond.”
