Kelly Stafford has finally spoken about the missing presence of her podcast co-host and close friend Hank Winchester, a Detroit television reporter facing accusations of making ‘unwanted sexual advances’ toward an unnamed male masseuse.
‘I realize that TMA has seemed somewhat different over the past few weeks,’ Kelly, wife of LA Rams quarterback and former Detroit Lions player Matthew Stafford, mentioned during Friday’s episode of ‘The Morning After.‘
The 36-year-old mother of four did not specify the allegations against Winchester, who is presently on leave from Detroit’s WDIV while an external investigation into his conduct is ongoing. Matthew has been featured on the show several times during Winchester’s absence.
‘Summer is a lot for all of us,’ she said, as quoted by Us Weekly. ‘I’ve been traveling a bunch. Hank is dealing with some personal stuff. Bear with us there.
‘The NFL season is just around the corner,’ she continued. ‘Soon you will be getting plenty of us, I’m sure. It’s all a lot.’
Whether or not Stafford was alluding to Winchester’s return is unclear. His attorney denied the allegations of misconduct last month, saying Winchester was facing ‘false accusations.’ No charges have been filed in the case.
Kelly Stafford hosts The Morning After with her ‘bestie,’ Hank Winchester (right)
Winchester (center) is also friends with Kelly’s husband, LA Rams quarterback Matthew (left)
The circumstances of the allegations remain somewhat unclear. Sources told Fox 2 in Detroit that the consumer investigative reporter has been studying massage therapy.
Police and sheriff’s deputies raided his $560,000 home in the Detroit suburbs on June 13, seizing electronics from the three-bedroom, three-bath home. A spokesperson for the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to The Detroit Free Press that officers helped local police execute the search warrant.
WDIV Vice President and General Manager Bob Ellis issued a brief statement Wednesday confirming the investigation.
‘We here at Local 4 have been made aware of an external investigation regarding Hank Winchester,’ Ellis said. ‘As of this time, he has been placed on administrative leave. While the investigation is ongoing – we won’t make any further comments.’
The Emmy-award winning reporter’s attorney Todd Flood, however, dismissed the allegations, telling Daily Mail how the ‘investigation will end where it began – nowhere.’
‘Hank has spent decades bringing truth to our community and fighting for our citizens. Because he holds a high-profile position in our community, that can at times generate false accusations,’ Flood said in a statement Wednesday.
Winchester has worked at WDIV since 2001, serving as both a reporter and anchor, his station biography states.
He is currently the head of the outlet’s Help Me Hank Consumer Unit, which reveals recalls, works to solve consumer complaints, and tracks down thieves in the community.
Stafford hinted a resolution could be on the horizon after Winchester’s lengthy absence
The reporter appears to be heavily involved in his local community, having worked with the Detroit Pistons to build a school library and gymnasium at the city’s Thurgood Marshall Elementary School.
The Michigan native is a graduate of Central Michigan University and worked at TV stations across the state, as well as in Miami, before joining WDIV’s staff.
He is also a proud father, often talking about family affairs and raising his young daughter Emma on his podcast The Morning After.
His co-host Kelly, a registered nurse, shares four children with her Super Bowl-winning husband, who is also one of Winchester’s longtime friends. However, the show’s description claims Kelly’s ‘bestie’ is Winchester.
‘Her husband is a Super Bowl winning QB, his daughter is obsessed with dinosaurs,’ reads the show bio. ‘Kelly Stafford and bestie Hank Winchester know a thing or two about pressure, the spotlight, and keeping it all together for their kiddos.
‘Her insight on the intensity of professional football, and his life working in television news (‘Help Me Hank WDIV NBC Detroit) is not for the faint of heart. Their stories about life and raising kids will not only have you laughing, but they’ll make you feel connected to the chaos we’re all trying to navigate. So sit back, pour a splash and let’s have a time!’
