Laine Hardy who 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.
On Friday, April 29, the 21-year-old American Idol winner was taken into police custody after his former girlfriend, Sidney Taylor discovered a VR-500 voice-activated recorder underneath her futon bed.
Taylor then contacted the LSU Police Department and 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.
On the same day of the arrest, Louisiana State University spokesman Ernie Ballard confirmed Hardy’s arrest in a statement:
‘Laine Reed Hardy (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. His arrest warrant has been filed with clerk of court.’
According to The Advocate report, the singer is accused of leaving a listening device at his ex-girlfriend’s campus accommodation at Azalea Hall in order ‘to monitor her conversations’ when they broke up, after dating from November 2021 through February 2022.
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Legal documents revealed that 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’.
Prior to the police report leaking to the press, Hardy addressed the controversy on his Facebook account.
Here’s what Hardy said 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. 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.”
Sources: Scallywagandvagabond, Theadvocate
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