NEW YORK (AP) — Scott Baio adamantly denies a claim that he sexually abused an underage “Charles in Charge” co-star and says she seduced him when she was 18 and legally an adult.
On Tuesday, Nicole Eggert, speaking on “Megyn Kelly Today,” said Baio first molested her when she was 14, and they had sexual intercourse when she was 17. The age of consent in California is 18. Baio is more than 11 years older than Eggert.
Baio said Wednesday on ABC’s “Good Morning America” that “false allegations” against him have “got to stop” for the sake of his wife and 10-year-old daughter.
He said his daughter “does not need to be hearing about this from friends at school.”
Baio said molestation would have been “absolutely impossible” on a set filled with teachers, relatives, crew members and producers.
During a consensual encounter when she was of legal age, Eggert told him that she wanted him to “be her first” sexual partner, Baio said.
Baio said they he remained friends after that encounter. He remembered Eggert as a “talented girl. We had a great time on the set. … Everybody got along.”
However, he added that Eggert “makes up” things, and he’s “not the first person” to become a target.
He was asked about Eggert’s remarks that she is exploring legal options and is considering filing a police report.
“Why would I have a concern over something I didn’t do?” he said. “Rather than take your case to social media … why not do it through the proper channels?”
Baio returned to the spotlight as an outspoken supporter of then presidential candidate Donald Trump, including speaking at the 2016 Republican National Convention.