Laine Hardy was cut at the Top 50 from the 16th season of American Idol. He returned the following season to accompany a friend on guitar for her audition. The judges ended up making him audition and they gave him a Golden Ticket to head to Hollywood Week. He excelled in every stage stage of the competition and was named the champion of Season 17 in 2019.
Since then, he has released a few songs, performed at the National Tree Lighting Ceremony in 2020, and dropped his debut album Here’s To Anyone on September 17, 2021.
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While he has seen much success since his time on American Idol, it seems he’s got into a bit of trouble.
On Thursday (April 28), Hardy released a statement on his social media accounts:
“Earlier today, I received a warrant due to allegations made against me and have been fully cooperative with the Louisiana State University Police Department. 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.”
His Instagram and Facebook post was flooded with comments from fans sending prayers and well wishes.
LSU spokesman Ernie Ballard made a statement to USA Today on Friday (April 28) and said, “I can confirm there is an active investigation with LSU Police. We may be able to provide more information later today, but since it’s an active investigation, that’s all the details I have at this time.”
WAFB-TV reports that a “source familiar to the case” has told them that “is accused of leaving a listening device in a female’s residence to monitor her conversations.”
The New York Post reached out to Hardy’s reps, but they said they could not comment due to the “pending investigation.”