'American Idol' Winner Laine Hardy Bugged Girl's LSU Dorm Room: Police

Baton Rouge LA

29 April, 2022

12:50 PM

Description

BATON ROUGE, LA — "American Idol" season 17 winner Laine Hardy is under investigation by Lousiana State University police after authorities say he planted a listening device in his former girlfriend's dorm, according to a report by WAFB 9 in Baton Rouge. The 21-year-old singer turned himself in to police Friday and was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on a felony charge of intercepting communications, WAFB reported. On Thursday, Hardy confirmed on social media that he received an arrest warrant for an incident of a "sensitive nature." Hardy's attorney confirmed the investigation to USA Today, which reported the incident happened on the LSU campus. According to the arrest warrant, a woman and her roommate found a recording device inside their dorm room at LSU's Azalea Hall on April 6, WAFB reported.The woman also told police she had a prior relationship with Hardy. In a statement, Hardy said he is being "fully cooperative" with law enforcement. "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," Hardy said. "However, due to the sensitive nature of this allegation, I humbly ask for privacy at this time." Hardy rose to fame after winning "American Idol" in 2019. The Livingston native previously competed on the show in 2018 but was eliminated from the top 50.