Laine Hardy returns to ‘American Idol’ for reunion days after arrest

“American Idol” raised eyebrows Monday night after it featured troubled star Laine Hardy singing onstage days after her arrest.

The show’s Season 17 winner was arrested last week for allegedly spying on his ex-girlfriend in her dorm at Louisiana State University.

After being handcuffed and interrogated by cops, the “American Idol” executives apparently looked the other way while still streaming his performance on the reunion special.

The episode, which was taped earlier this month, showed Hardy performing with compatriot Laci Kaye Booth, who made the Top 5 in 2019.

The two performed Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty’s hit song “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around,” which wowed judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

Richie said the pair “looked amazing”, while Bryan thanked them for continuing “to be part of the ‘American Idol’ family.”

Hardy’s appearance on Monday night’s episode sparked fury from viewers, who took to Twitter to criticize show bosses for not excluding him from the reunion.

Calling the show “deaf”, an angry viewer tweeted“Hey @AmericanIdol can y’all be more #tonedeaf to what’s going on in the world?!? What made you think putting #LaineHardy on the air was a good idea?!?! “

Another critic wrote“Are you asking for privacy but your taped appearance is on American Idol tonight? WTF! AI using this taped segment after your arrest is disrespectful to the victim; your ex girlfriend. They should have deleted your taped appearance. Ashamed, disappointing and triggering for many people.

“Wait, so #AmericanIdol is just going to put Laine Hardy on without even mentioning her recent arrest? I am confused by this. He was arrested, right? a third tweeted.

The Post has contacted “American Idol” for comment.

Hardy took to social media Thursday night to respond to the allegations ahead of his arrest, telling fans he had been “fully cooperative” with cops.

Hardy would have been released from prison Friday night.