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E! has come under a lot of fire in the past week as details of the allegations against Ryan Seacrest emerged and the network insisted they were standing by their guy for their Oscars red carpet. That blaze became an inferno Sunday night as Twitter exploded against the network and Seacrest even before their red carpet coverage began.
It wasn't all hate for the network, though, as Kris Jenner was quick to come to his defense -- which shouldn't come as a huge surprise considering what his involvement has done for the Kardashian empire -- on Twitter, writing, "Oscar Sunday wouldn't be the same without Ryan Seacrest and Giuliana Rancic!!"
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View StorySeacrest denied the allegations, and an internal investigation cleared him, but many feel that the network should have still erred on the side of caution in an awards season that has been sensitive about sexual harassment and the emerging #TimesUp and #MeToo movements.
MeToo founder Tarana Burke spoke with Variety on Saturday night, where she said of E!, "They really shouldn't send him. We shouldn't have to make those choices of, 'Do we or don't we?'" Many stars indicated they would avoid Seacrest on the carpet.
"This is not about his guilt or innocence," Burke continued. "It's about there being an accusation that's alive, and until they sort it out, it's really on E! News and shouldn't be on us. … It will let us know where they stand in terms of how respectful E! News is of this issue – and of women."
As for the how the network is handling it, Variety reported E! intended to implement a 30-second delay for the first time on the red carpet so they have time to curb any potential backlash against Seacrest from an outspoken celebrity (as we saw at the Golden Globes). The network is also under fire recently for firing a producer reportedly for allowing Catt Sadler commentary to make it on the air during their Golden Globes coverage, per People.
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View StoryAll of these controversies have soured many on the network and their support of Seacrest, sending his name up the trending topics on Twitter even before the network's red carpet coverage had begun. The vitriol was intense from many, and it only intensified as the show got underway and he chatted with various stars and nominees like Allison Janney, Andy Serkis and Donald Sutherland. He did seem to be talking more with men than women, which may be indicative of who was willing to stop and chat with him.
Take a look at the reaction below:
Oscar Sunday wouldn't be the same without you @ryanseacrest @giulianarancic!! Can't WAIT to watch you on the Red Carpet tonight!! I look forward to this night every year! I'm so proud of you!! #BFF #beautifulheart #E! #TheOscars #Oscars2018 #AcademyAwards #AcademyAwards2018 pic.twitter.com/3NCN7PPwWM
@KrisJenner
I am confused by this #ERedCarpet. Ryan Seacrest, who has been accused of workplace sexual misconduct, is on the red carpet. His female counterparts are across the street in less-prominent roles. #Oscars
@tracyswartz
The #ERedCarpet for the #Oscars is a hot mess because they have Guiliana stuck at some hotel in Siberia, and a 30-second delay to protect Ryan Seacrest from #Metoo #TimesUp confrontations. Not a good look, @ENews.
@MelissainJax
I used to love the #ERedCarpet but this year is garbage. Stop protecting Ryan @enews and let Giuliana interview people!!!
@jcstraw3
It's like @e_entertainment really didn't want stars skipping Ryan for G so they refused to let G interview people at all. #Sexism #Oscars #Oscars90
Starting to feel irrepressible disgust. https://t.co/nKmuOuCbTj
@kimmasters
Ryan Seacrest is a harassing manipulative creep and anyone who plays ball with him on the red carpet tomorrow will regret it
@onlxn
Obviously all the women are avoiding Ryan Seacrest. Did E not anticipate this kind of backlash?
@MelLenhardt
Despite the recent allegations, Ryan Seacrest is still holding on to his No. 1 spot for E! at the top of the red carpet. Giuliani Rancic is standing about 60 feet behind him, a less desirable spot for celebrity wrangling. #Oscars
@RaminSetoodeh
I hope everyone on the red carpet ignores Ryan Seacrest.
@Molly_Kats
Awkward TV moment -> E! host Kristen Santos, next to Guiliana Rancic, praises #MeToo and #TimesUp movements in Hollywood and calls out the industry for women directors making up 4% — then the two women toss to Ryan Seacrest on red carpet.
@courtneyknorris
And fuck Ryan Seacrest
@rgay
Ryan Seacrest doesn't deserve to be within 30 yards of Allison Janney
@emmaruthless
Me watching Ryan Seacrest call people buddy #Oscars pic.twitter.com/IbEwsvcr0r
@_yimika__
imagine going out of your way to protect Ryan Seacrest lmao literally the world's most replaceable man
@BrandyLJensen
Extremely disappointed Allison Janney didn't yell at Ryan Seacrest on the red carpet
@CaseyFetherston
Having Kristin Dos Santos give a rousing Time's Up speech that ends with "now back to Ryan Seacrest" is... Something.
@azalben
How could Ryan Seacrest possibly be that essential
@drewmagary
Ryan Seacrest talking to primarily men. #Oscars
@goaliemom1104
so like....why is ryan seacrest still hosting the red carpet? pic.twitter.com/UdNezye7AC
@peytondani
WHY IS EVERYONE TALKING TO AWFUL RYAN SEACREST #Oscars #ERedCarpet
@yasminleighw
Stunned at the control Ryan Seacrest has over E! Not only interviewing females celebs but managed to shove Julianna to the side #iscars #redcarpet
@littlescoogy
Why would you choose Ryan Seacrest as your hill to die on?
@NathanKerce
So it looks like Ryan Seacrest is going to just interview male actors? 🤔#ERedCarpet #Oscars pic.twitter.com/CXEjiMYWq1
@justDooDirty
actors wearing times up pins and talking to ryan seacrest.... cool.... #Oscars90
@bettyfords
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