By Blessing 
Kelly Stafford has finally addressed what fans of her podcast have been wondering for weeks: the mysterious absence of her longtime co-host and close friend, Hank Winchester. The Detroit TV reporter has been off the air amid disturbing allegations involving a male masseuse, and now Stafford is gently acknowledging the situation.
“I know that TMA has looked a little differently over the last few weeks,” Kelly said during Friday’s episode of The Morning After, referring to the popular podcast she co-hosts. She didn’t mention Winchester by name or detail the accusations, but her tone suggested something serious. “Summer is a lot for all of us,” she added. “I’ve been traveling a bunch. Hank is dealing with some personal stuff. Bear with us there.”
Winchester, a respected reporter at WDIV in Detroit, is currently on administrative leave while an external investigation plays out. The allegations against him involve claims of “unwanted sexual advances” made toward a male massage therapist — a claim his lawyer has firmly denied.
Although she didn’t go into specifics, Kelly, the wife of Los Angeles Rams quarterback and former Detroit Lions star Matthew Stafford, showed visible emotion during her statement. The 36-year-old mother of four didn’t confirm whether Hank will return to the podcast, but she hinted that the show’s rhythm will soon be restored. “The NFL season is just around the corner,” she said. “Soon you will be getting plenty of us, I’m sure. It’s all a lot.”
As for Winchester, the Emmy-winning journalist’s attorney, Todd Flood, has forcefully rejected the allegations. “Hank has spent decades bringing truth to our community and fighting for our citizens,” he told Daily Mail. “Because he holds a high-profile position in our community, that can at times generate false accusations.” Flood emphasized his belief that the investigation “will end where it began – nowhere.”
Winchester, who joined WDIV in 2001, has long been a familiar face in Detroit media. He currently leads the station’s “Help Me Hank” unit, which investigates scams, consumer complaints, and corporate wrongdoing. He’s also widely known for his community involvement — from helping build school libraries to working alongside the Detroit Pistons on public projects.
The investigation, however, has added a serious wrinkle to his otherwise respected career. On June 13, authorities searched his home in the Detroit suburbs, seizing electronics as part of their inquiry. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to The Detroit Free Press that they assisted in executing the search warrant alongside local police.
WDIV has acknowledged the investigation publicly. “We here at Local 4 have been made aware of an external investigation regarding Hank Winchester,” station VP and GM Bob Ellis said in a brief statement. “As of this time, he has been placed on administrative leave. While the investigation is ongoing, we won’t make any further comments.”
Adding to the public intrigue is the strong bond between Kelly and Hank, both on and off the air. The show’s description affectionately refers to Winchester as Kelly’s “bestie,” and their lighthearted banter about parenting, life in the public eye, and personal challenges has long endeared them to listeners. “Her husband is a Super Bowl-winning QB, his daughter is obsessed with dinosaurs,” the bio reads. “Kelly Stafford and bestie Hank Winchester know a thing or two about pressure, the spotlight, and keeping it all together for their kiddos.”
That chemistry has been noticeably missing in recent episodes, with Matthew Stafford stepping in for a few guest appearances. But for now, fans are left to wonder what’s next for the podcast and for Winchester himself.
Kelly’s words, though brief, suggest that she’s hopeful — if not for a resolution, then at least for understanding from their loyal listeners. “It’s all a lot,” she repeated, capturing the heaviness of the moment with just a few words.