Oscars 2018: Ryan Seacrest's appearance amid sexual harassment allegations gets mixed reactions

Will he, won't he? That seemed to be the big question about popular host Ryan Seacrest in the run-up to the 90th Academy Awards. The American Idol host has been a fixture on the Oscars red carpet for E! for several years now, interviewing Hollywood's best as they make their way into the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

This year, however, Seacrest's appearance was marred by allegations of sexual harassment.

A stylist Seacrest has previously worked with had accused the E! host of sexual misconduct — an allegation he has denied. The stylist, Suzie Hardy, had claimed that she was fired after she complained about Seacrest to E!'s human resources department.

E! has stood by Seacrest, saying that an investigation found there was "insufficient evidence to support the claims" made against him.

There was some conjecture if celebrities would shun Seacrest on the red carpet at the 2018 Oscars. And most major stars did not stop to chat with the host.

Nominees Allison Janney and Christopher Plummer did exchange a few words with Seacrest, as did actor Richard Jenkins, who was wearing a Time's Up pin. And while Taraji P Henson did answer Seacrest's questions, she took a dig at him by telling the very next interviewer she met (on being asked how she was doing): "Very well. Now that I'm in your company."

Critics have slammed E! for letting Seacrest co-host the Oscars amid the #MeToo movement.

Follow our LIVE updates from the 90th Academy Awards here.

— With inputs from IANS