HOME / ENTERTAINMENT / TV

MTV's 'Catfish' host Nev Schulman speaks out after being cleared of sexual harassment allegations

Schulman was accused of sexual harassment by Ayissha Morgan - a former participant on the show - who had appeared in Season 4 of the reality show that busts online relationships.

'Catfish' host Nev Schulman has finally opened up about the sexual harassment allegations that were pressed against him by a former contestant on the show. Even though MTV's investigation later found the charges “not credible and without merit," Schulman insisted that he had been innocent. He shared the details of how "powerless" it made him feel when the channel carried out their investigation. He said: “To be accused of something that I squarely did not do and to have the harsh judgment that followed and no way to counteract or do something at the moment to correct that was very difficult,” he shared with People magazine on Wednesday. “It was frustrating. I just felt so powerless.”

He went on to share how the allegations and the aftermath of it, took a toll on his life and family. “I’m doing much better now,” he said. “It was a really difficult time for me, as much for my wife and my family. It was tough.” And even though he claims he has made mistakes in his life, he prides himself on taking accountability.

“I’ve apologized and done everything I could to make right where I may have wronged," he said. “I’ve been judged for those mistakes—publicly and privately. That’s tough and doesn’t feel good but it’s important and something I’ve made part of my life.”

Schulman further said that he was overwhelmed by how supportive the 'Catfish' cast was during these trying times, but they weren't the only ones. Fans of the show and participants from previous seasons also reached out to show their support. “Several people who had been on the show actually reached out to me and offered to speak up in my support if necessary,” Schulman explained. “I’m just so thankful and grateful to everyone.”

These harassment allegations against him were made by a former participant on the show, Ayissha Morgan, who had appeared on Season 4 of 'Catfish.' She took to her YouTube channel to speak about the harassment inflicted upon her by a host of the show, whom she decided to call 'Jack' in a series of videos.  

After the videos surfaced the internet, MTV stopped the filming of 'Catfish' and resumed it only after the investigation had been completed. During the halted filming, Schulman had issued a statement of innocence to People, saying: “The behavior described in this video did not happen and I’m fortunate that there are a number of former colleagues who were present during this time period who are willing to speak up with the truth."

Now that 'Catfish' is back on track, its latest season will premiere on Wednesday with a two-hour long special that will have two episodes. So far it is still unclear whether MTV or Schulman will address the allegations in these upcoming episodes.