UPDATE: Laine was booked into jail on Friday (April 29) after his ex-girlfriend found a recording device planted in her LSU dorm room, according to WBRZ. Here is Laine’s mugshot:
LSU police issued the warrant after the victim found the device under her bed at Azalea Hall back in February. She told police the device first appeared to be a phone charger, but she realized it was an audio recorder after looking it up online.
Investigators found several recordings on the device dating back as far as Feb. 10, including some where they could hear Hardy’s “very distinguishable” voice. Some of the recordings were taken after the two had broken up in February, according to arrest documents.
The pair dated for about four months, police noted in Hardy’s arrest warrant.
The victim told police she first confronted Hardy because he knew a suspicious amount of detail about what she did during her Christmas break. Hardy allegedly admitted to planting a “bug” but claimed he disposed of it in his pond. The victim also provided police a screenshot of a text conversation where he admitted to leaving the device in her dorm.
On the device given to police, investigators found audio files containing the victim’s private conversations, including one where she discussed the break-up.
The warrant also suggested that Hardy removed the recorder at some point to check it before planting it back in the victim’s room.
Laine was booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison for violation of 15:1303– Interception and Disclosure of Wire, Electronic, or Oral Communication,” said LSU spokesman Ernie Ballard.
The crime carries a maximum penalty of a $10,000 fine and up to ten years in prison.
Laine Hardy announced Thursday that he is under investigation by the Louisiana State University Police Department.
The American Idol season 17 winner revealed the news in a Thursday night (4/28) Facebook post saying that the LSUPD issued a warrant, and that he’s fully cooperating. However, the singer did not describe the allegations against him.
“Earlier today, I received a warrant due to allegations made against me and have been fully cooperative with the Louisiana State University Police Department,” Laine wrote on his Facebook. “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.”
Laine continued, “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.”
An LSU official confirmed to WAFB that they are conducting an active investigation again Laine, but would not provide additional information about the case.
Idol fans will see Laine in the upcoming “Great Idol Reunion” celebrating American Idol’s 20th season airing on ABC Monday May 2. He and fellow season 17 country singer Laci Kaye Booth are set to duet on a song. The one-hour special is already taped.
Laine initially auditioned for American Idol season 16 in 2018, but the show cut him just before the Top 20. He returned to audition the following season with a friend. He got another ticket to Hollywood and eventually won the show. The singer signed a record deal with Hollywood Records/19 Recordings and released an album Here’s to Anyone in 2021. He’s been on the road touring, and is also a special tourist ambassador for his home state of Louisiana. I looked for Laine’s listing at the Hollywood Records site, and he’s no longer listed. (Very, VERY likely NOT related to this incident. Laine’s songs never gained traction on the charts. They probably dropped him for business reasons.)
Fan favorite single “Memorize You” was featured in multiple episodes of ABC’s The Bachelorette this season and the beachy official video and romantic track has racked up 10.4 million streams and counting. The album also includes “Tiny Town,” “Ground I Grew Up On,” “Let There Be Country” and “Other LA” which tell the stories of Laine’s childhood on the Louisiana bayou.
