Former BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker has broken his silence after allegations from a former Channel 5 News presenter were withdrawn against him on Friday.
Former TV presenter Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije co-hosted Channel 5 News alongside Dan between 2022 and 2023. In April, she filed claims of unfair dismissal, discrimination and harassment on the grounds of race and sex, as well as breach of contract.
Dan, 49, who consistently denied the claims, was due to appear at an employment tribunal on Monday. However, the allegations were withdrawn on Friday 24 April after an agreement was reached with the broadcaster and ITN, the production company behind Channel 5 News.
Dan Walker breaks his silence
Taking to Instagram to share a statement on the tribunal, Dan declared: “Some news… all allegations withdrawn. I did NOT agree to settle.”
In a selection of photos on Instagram, Dan wrote: “Channel 5 and ITN have reached an agreement with the claimant. I firmly feel that I should never have been pulled into this; however, I was fully prepared to go to tribunal and defend the allegations which were levelled at me.
“Through all of this, I have always been concerned for the claimant’s wellbeing, and that has not changed. I hope she finds peace.
“I want to thank my family and friends for all their love and support through this. I will be forever grateful to those who were kind enough to go on the record with their accounts of working alongside me.
“My thanks also to my legal team and the wonderful colleagues at 5 News and Classic FM who have supported me every step of the way.”
© Mike Marsland/WireImageWhat did the officials say?
In a statement released on Friday, Claudia–Liza’s lawyers said: “Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije can confirm that a mutual agreement has been reached with ITN and Channel 5 in respect of the matters subject to tribunal proceedings.
“Claudia-Liza fully withdraws her allegations relating to Dan Walker and does not intend to repeat or pursue them.”
© PA Images via Getty ImagesWhat has Channel 5 said?
Reflecting on the outcome, a Channel 5 spokesperson said: “We strongly reject the claims that were made and are pleased that this matter has been resolved and that all the allegations relating to Dan Walker have been withdrawn.”
Meanwhile, an ITN spokesperson: “We continue to deny these claims in full, and we are glad this matter has been resolved.”
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