HGTV’s family-friendly image took a hit when Carter Oosterhouse, lifestyle expert and star of the 2008 series “Carter Can,” was accused of sexual coercion by a former employee in 2017. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Kailey Kaminsky alleged that he propositioned her multiple times to perform oral sex when she worked as his makeup artist in 2008. She stated that she continually declined until he threatened her job. After she gave in to his request, he allegedly continued to proposition her every time they worked together, and she became increasingly uncomfortable with the dynamic until she had to be hospitalized for a stress-induced stomach ulcer.
Oosterhouse, who has been married to actor Amy Smart since 2011, denied the accusations, maintaining he and Kaminsky had a consensual relationship. He also went on to claim they had over a dozen consensual sexual interactions. “I would have never done anything that I was not sure was mutually agreeable,” Oosterhouse told The Hollywood Reporter.
Although Oosterhouse wasn’t working with HGTV at the time that the allegations surfaced, the network was quick to address the news. “While we have not been in production with Carter Oosterhouse on an HGTV series for many years, we take matters such as this very seriously,” HGTV said in a statement, per People. “We do not tolerate harassment of any kind.”
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).