Off-air Chicago radio star Eric Ferguson finally speaks out

Driving the news: Ferguson spoke out on social media this week to thank supporters and signal that he wants to get back to work.

• "It was a challenging and frustrating time, but I'm in such a better place because of it," Ferguson wrote.
• "Having a positive outcome where the truth becomes the most important thing makes all the difference. The end result always tells the real story, and for that I'm grateful."

Context: Ferguson's former producer Cynthia DeNicolo filed a lawsuit in May of 2021, accusing Ferguson of pressuring her into sexual acts. DeNicolo also alleged he blocked her career advancement and was responsible for her firing.

• Another woman accused Ferguson of groping her at a Christmas party in 2003. Her claims were added to DeNicolo's lawsuit, which was dropped last June. DeNicolo's attorney declined to comment to the Sun-Times about the decision.
• Soon after DeNicolo filed her suit, Ferguson's former on-air partner Melissa McGurren filed a defamation lawsuit against Hubbard Radio, after she accused Ferguson of creating a hostile work environment and a pattern of abuse against women at the station. A federal judge found that Hubbard's statements disagreeing with McGurren's characterization of events were not defamatory and dismissed the suit in 2022.

• Ferguson has denied any wrongdoing. He entered into a settlement with Hubbard Media that took him off the air for two years, which just ended.

What he's saying: "I'm interested to see what opportunities exist .... I'm ready to win again," Ferguson tells Axios about getting back on the air.