BREAKING: ‘American Idol’ Winner Laine Hardy Surrenders To Police, Booked In Louisiana Prison
Laine Hardy has been booked in a Louisiana prison after allegedly spying on an ex-girlfriend at the Louisiana State University…
Laine Hardy; Photo by David Bradley
Laine Hardy has been booked in a Louisiana prison after allegedly spying on an ex-girlfriend at the Louisiana State University campus.
In a new report from New York Post, it has been revealed that the season 17 winner of American Idol reportedly planted a listening device in a female student’s dorm room at Azalea Hall on the Louisiana State University campus on April 6, 2022. The female student, a former girlfriend of Hardy’s, said that her and her roommate found a recording device under a futon in their on campus residence on the University property.
In addition to the female student’s report, LSU Police also found evidence that Hardy has been secretly recording her earlier this year.
A spokesman for Louisiana State University confirmed Laine Hardy’s arrest in a statement to the outlet (per WAFB).
“Laine Reed Hardy (a Non-LSU Student) was arrested by LSU Police today and booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison for violation of 15:1303 — Interception and Disclosure of Wire, Electronic, or Oral Communication,” the statement read. “His arrest warrant has been filed with clerk of court.”
According to court records, Hardy is charged with leaving a listening device in his ex-girlfriend’s dorm room to “to monitor her conversations” when they broke up, after dating from November 2021 through February 2022.
Per the New York Post, “the victim advised that last night, while watching a movie with her roommate, [they] located a device, appearing to be a phone charger under the victim’s futon.” After googling the device, “she learned it to be a VR-500 Voice Activated Recorder.”
The crime, Interception and Disclosure of Wire, Electronic, or Oral Communication, carries a maximum sentence of up to ten years in prison, and a fine of $10,000.
The “Memorize You” singer reportedly surrendered to the LSU Police Department on the morning of Friday, April 29. Since turning himself in, Hardy has been booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.
Laine Hardy Speaks Out After Warrant Issued For His Arrest
The news comes after Hardy took to social media on Thursday evening (April 28) to share a statement after a warrant was issued for his arrest, revealing he was under criminal investigation by the LSU Police Department.
The American Idol winner and Louisiana native did not divulge details regarding the arrest warrant at the time, but did share that it was a “sensitive” allegation.
“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 wrote. “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.”
He continued, “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.”
In addition to Hardy’s statement, a representative for Hardy shared a statement from his attorney, C Frank Holthaus.
“I can confirm that Mr. Hardy did receive a warrant for his arrest earlier today and has been and will continue to be completely cooperative with the Louisiana State University Police Department on this matter,” Holthaus said. “Due to the public nature of Mr. Hardy’s profession, we ask for privacy at this time.”
Laine Hardy first rose to fame in 2019 on American Idol where he was crowned winner of Season 17.
His debut album, Here’s To Anyone, features 11 tracks and was released in September of 2021. Among the track list is his single, “Memorize You,” as well as previous releases such as “Tiny Town,” “The Other LA,” and “Let There Be Country.”
Will Laine Hardy Still Perform On American Idol On May 2?
Hardy is set to return to the American Idol stage for the Great Idol Reunion on Monday, May 2, where he is expected to perform a duet alongside Laci Kaye Booth. However, it is now unclear if Hardy will still appear on the show.
We have reached out American Idol for a statement regarding his upcoming appearance on the show.
This is breaking news and we will update you as the story develops.
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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