Laine Hardy, won Season 17 of ‘American Idol’, has been arrested for allegedly planting a listening device in a Louisiana State University dorm room belonging to his ex-girlfriend.
Hardy, 21, was taken into police custody after his former girlfriend discovered a voice recorder in her room. The ex-girlfriend contacted the LSU Police Department after she discovered a VR-500 voice-activated recorder underneath her futon bed. The woman told authorities that she believed Hardy was behind the recording device, as they had recently broken up and she had also discovered a fake Instagram account he was using to keep tabs on her.
‘American Idol’ Winner Laine Hardy Arrested For Allegedly Spying on Ex-Girlfriend
Laine Hardy used the recording device to listen in on private conversations his ex had, including one discussion she had with her mother regarding their recent breakup.
Hardy’s ex-girlfriend told police that when she questioned Hardy about the device he allegedly admitted to planting a “bug” in her room but said he threw it in a pond. The ex also offered proof of this conversation in the form of Snapchat screenshots. The police located the device and noted that it contained hours worth of recordings including audio of vehicles and background noises, as well as specific conversations about Hardy.
The arrest warrant states that Laine was charged with ‘one felony count of interception and disclosure of wire, electronic or oral communication’.
Hardy’s attorney confirmed that there were allegations made against his client but did not elaborate on the specifics. “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 LSU Police Department on this matter. Due to the public nature of Mr. Hardy’s profession, we ask for privacy at this time,” he stated.
Prior to the police report leaking to the press, Hardy addressed the controversy on his Facebook account.
“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 said. “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.”
The woman was unnamed in the documents released by Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge, but the report does indicate that she dated Hardy from November 2021 until February 2022. Hardy was romantically linked to two women during that time – Gracie Lee, 19, and an LSU student and beauty pageant queen named Sydney Taylor.
