American Idol season 17 winner Laine Hardy was arrested Friday by Louisiana State University police after the singer was accused of bugging a student’s room with a recording device.
Hardy, 21, was incarcerated at East Baton Rouge Parish Prison for violation of 15:1303 – interception and disclosure of wire, electronic or verbal communications. If found guilty, he could face a fine of up to $10,000 and or two to 10 years in prison.
The student told police she discovered the device on April 7 and searched Google to discover it was a voice-activated audio recorder. The student told police she thinks Hardy put the bug there.
Hardy was born in Louisiana and lives in Livingston Parish. He is not an LSU student.
The “Idol” star confirmed there was a warrant for his arrest in a Facebook post Thursday, avoiding details but noting that there was an incident of a “sensitive nature” that took place on the LSU campus.
“Earlier today, I was given a warrant over allegations against me and co-operated fully with the Louisiana State University Police Department,” Hardy wrote. “I understand that my career has put me in the public spotlight, and I embrace that wholeheartedly as my whole world belongs to my music and my fans.”
He continued, “However, due to the sensitive nature of this allegation, I humbly request privacy at this time.”
“I have the utmost respect for the law and will assist with their investigation if necessary,” he said.
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In a statement to USA TODAY, Hardy’s attorney C Frank Holthaus said, “Mr. Hardy received an arrest warrant earlier today and has fully cooperated with the Louisiana State University Police Department on this matter.”
A university representative Ernie Ballard also confirmed the “active investigation” to USA TODAY.
Hardy rose to fame after winning “American Idol” in 2019. It marked the end of a long road in the singing competition for the Livingston, Louisiana native, who previously competed on the show in 2018 but was eliminated from the Top 50.
He wasn’t planning on giving “Idol” another try in 2019, but was persuaded to sing for the judges again when he joined his friend, Ashton Gill, on guitar at her audition. While Gill failed to make it to Hollywood, Hardy took his golden ticket all the way to victory, winning over fans young and old alike with his throwback numbers and Elvis Presley-esque swagger.
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“I was hesitant to take the golden ticket (to Hollywood), and then I thought I’d give it another try and see how far I could get,” Hardy told USA TODAY after his win. “During the season I had my reservations about it because it was really tough, but I just kept doing what I was doing: stressing every day and pulling through.”
Contributing: Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY
