Channel 5 News presenter Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije, aged 47, is set to confront her former co-anchor Dan Walker in a five-week employment tribunal hearing in London next week, following allegations of sexism, misogyny, and bullying. Reports indicate that Vanderpuije has lost support from colleagues after accusing Walker, with many remaining loyal to the 49-year-old presenter.
Allegations and Tribunal Details
Vanderpuije has named Walker as a respondent in her claims, alongside ITN, the producer of Channel 5 News, and Channel 5 owner Paramount. Walker, a former BBC Breakfast host, denies all allegations. The tribunal will address Vanderpuije's departure from Channel 5 in 2024 after over five years presenting, including the last 12 months with Walker, who joined the channel in 2023.
Internal Conflict and Email Circulation
According to a new report, the dispute escalated to the point where Vanderpuije was banned from the newsroom by ITN's chief executive, Rachel Corp. In response, Vanderpuije circulated their email exchange to numerous colleagues. This move reportedly led to a loss of internal sympathy, particularly after she specifically named Walker in the tribunal proceedings.
An insider revealed that Vanderpuije was offered paid leave by ITN in February 2024 while her complaints were investigated and redundancy consultations continued. Upon returning to her desk, she was told to go home "as a duty of care to you and others involved." The insider added that Walker is internally regarded as a supportive colleague, often looking out for younger staff, which contrasts with the allegations.
Legal Statements and Responses
Vanderpuije's lawyer, Jonathan Coad, issued a statement on her behalf, claiming she was a victim of a sham redundancy due to whistleblowing on a toxic culture of racism, sexism, misogyny, and bullying in the Channel 5 Newsroom. The statement alleges that ITN and Channel 5 attempted to cover up this racist culture, breaching statutory obligations. Vanderpuije is constrained from commenting further for legal reasons until the trial.
In contrast, Walker has gathered over 50 character witness statements from figures including footballers, Olympians, BBC journalists, and colleagues. A source stated that Walker "absolutely denies any sexism, misogyny, racism or bullying" and is prepared to present evidence of his character in court. Walker expressed being "stunned and actually very upset" by the accusations.
Previous Investigations and Denials
In April 2024, Walker was "completely exonerated" following a workplace probe into serious misconduct, with sources citing a lack of evidence and his full cooperation. It is understood this probe related to Vanderpuije's complaints, but none were upheld. Walker commented in 2024 that he was "entirely vindicated by an independent inquiry." However, Vanderpuije's lawyer argues that the internal inquiry did not fully investigate her grievance, a point to be addressed at trial.
Representatives for Walker and ITN have been contacted for comment, with ITN stating that the claim is "denied in full" and will be addressed through the tribunal process. Both Walker and Vanderpuije have declined further comment as the legal proceedings approach.
