On Twitter, Radio Host Paul Castronovo Accused of Sexually Harassing 17-Year-Old Girl

On Twitter, someone using the handle @kellyblaus claims to be a 17-year-old girl and says she and her mom were harassed by radio host Paul Castronovo at the Pompano Beach Seafood Festival this past weekend. She said in a series of Tweets Saturday that the radio host called her mom...

By Deirdra Funcheon

April 26, 2016

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On Twitter, someone using the handle @kellyblaus claims to be a 17-year-old girl and says she and her mom were harassed by radio host Paul Castronovo at the Pompano Beach Seafood Festival this past weekend. She said in a series of tweets Saturday that the radio host called her mom "a hotter version of Chelsea Handler" and asked if she took naked selfies.

When the girl said, "That's my mom," the radio host allegedly took to his microphone to make comments about what the girl was wearing and ask her stepfather why he "let her out of the house like this."

Screenshots purportedly show that once the girl called him out by name on Twitter, Castronovo responded condescendingly, calling her "kiddo" and saying that his comments were "all in fun." He then deleted his response.

Castronovo and Ron Brewer have hosted radio morning shows in South Florida for 25 years. Castronovo also owns a wine company.

The Twitter user @kellyblaus did not respond to a request for comment yesterday afternoon. Calls to the station were referred to Lonny Anger, president of IHeartMedia, 105.9's parent company. Castronovo, reached via email, said that he had forwarded the request for comment to Anger. By phone, Anger said he hadn't been aware of the situation but was "looking into it."

The conflict comes amid a seemingly growing wave of women speaking out about sexual misconduct, especially as it exists in the music industry. An Atlantic article in January examined complaints about artists from David Bowie to Dr. Dre. Last week, a former music industry exec shared a story about decades-old harassment by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Here is @kellyblaus' thread about her experience:

Decided to meet Paul & Young Ron with my mom because she's a big fan and they're at this beach festival. We walk up, and immediately they
— ? kb (@kellyblaus) April 23, 2016

laughs a bit. I awkwardly laugh and look at the guy and say "haha, that's my mom" bc I thought he might lay off - NOPE. He looks at me and
— ? kb (@kellyblaus) April 23, 2016

worry, you can pick up all the 20-somethings." I smile and say "no, I'm seventeen" politely. Really holding in my annoyance at this point.
— ? kb (@kellyblaus) April 23, 2016

pointed to my stepdad, who was standing a few feet away. "The guy in the light green shirt" I say, and he looks to my stepdad and screams
— ? kb (@kellyblaus) April 23, 2016

how outraged he is about my appearance over the microphone. At this point, lots of people at the festival are looking over. They're stopping
— ? kb (@kellyblaus) April 23, 2016

judging me, and this man is screaming to them on a damn microphone, drawing even more unwanted attention my way. I am obviously
— ? kb (@kellyblaus) April 23, 2016

am both fuming and upset, on the verge of yelling or crying, I'm not sure. MIND YOU, I am seventeen years old. Not that it matters, but I am
— ? kb (@kellyblaus) April 24, 2016

decided against it specifically because I didn't feel like being sexualized at a festival with my family. And somehow it happened anyways.
— ? kb (@kellyblaus) April 24, 2016

I am HORRIBLY upset, disgusted, and disappointed. @PaulandYoungRon @BIG1059FM you have absolutely ruined my night. How DARE you?
— ? kb (@kellyblaus) April 24, 2016

Update: I've looked up pics & learned that the man saying all of this was @PaulCastronovo. His co anchor @youngronbrewer didn't say anything
— ? kb (@kellyblaus) April 24, 2016

I don't know why he's retweeting stuff like this pic.twitter.com/nZ2l6drsrf
— ? kb (@kellyblaus) April 24, 2016

I don't even know what this means. pic.twitter.com/AdQ1qp7ndG
— ? kb (@kellyblaus) April 24, 2016

The executive producer of the show blocked me as well. pic.twitter.com/SR00mctmnH
— ? kb (@kellyblaus) April 24, 2016

To the Pompano Beach Seafood Festival, @IsleCasinoPP, & any other sponsors: I'm outrageously disgusted/disappointed in ur live entertainment
— ? kb (@kellyblaus) April 24, 2016

Paul and Young Ron tweeted from the festival. Dozens of people responded to them with support for the girl:

@PaulandYoungRon You sexually harassed and embarrassed a 17 year old girl in public and that's not okay.
— khloe (@khloefegan) April 24, 2016

@PaulandYoungRon shit heads
— Austin Heff (6-11) (@786Mayor) April 24, 2016

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