Scott Baio Again Denies Nicole Eggert’s Sexual Abuse Allegations, Claims Accusations Were Motivated by Money and Politics

Actor Scott Baio has again denied sexual abuse allegations made by his former Charles in Charge co-star Nicole Eggert, saying in a recent podcast interview that he believes the claims were motivated by money and political concerns.

Speaking on the “Arroyo Grande” podcast in an episode released April 24, Baio, 65, said he thinks the accusations were part of an effort to damage his reputation. He suggested that some people may have wanted to prevent him from entering politics after he spoke at the Republican National Convention in 2016.

“I think it was about money,” Baio said. “I have it on good authority it was money… It was primarily, I think, a money play.” He also claimed that evidence, including video and audio, contradicts Eggert’s allegations, though he said such details have received little public attention.

Baio added that he took two lie detector tests in an attempt to clear his name. He also alleged that someone informed him of a broader effort to undermine him, though he did not provide specific details or evidence of such a conspiracy.

During the interview, Baio expressed anger over the accusations and their impact on his family. “I hope she’s miserable because what she did to me and my family was unconscionable,” he said.

Eggert first made the allegations public in January 2018, stating that Baio sexually abused her when she was 14 years old. At the time, she said the alleged abuse occurred multiple times during the years they worked together on Charles in Charge, which aired from 1984 to 1990. Baio was in his mid-20s during that period.

Baio has consistently denied the allegations since they were first made. The claims have not resulted in criminal charges.

The situation remains disputed, with both parties maintaining their positions.