Dan Walker's former Channel 5 News co-host, Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije, has withdrawn bullying and misogyny claims against him after reaching a mutual agreement with ITN and Channel 5. The allegations, which included unfair dismissal, discrimination, and harassment on grounds of race and sex, were dismissed at an employment tribunal hearing on Friday.
Walker, 49, who denied all allegations, expressed relief but also concern for Vanderpuije's wellbeing. In a statement on Instagram, he said: '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.'
Vanderpuije's lawyers confirmed the withdrawal, stating: 'Claudia-Liza fully withdraws her allegations relating to Dan Walker and does not intend to repeat or pursue them.' The claims also involved ITN, Channel 5, and Paramount Global, all of which denied the allegations.
Walker, a former BBC Breakfast host and Strictly Come Dancing contestant, now presents the weekday breakfast show on Classic FM. He had been listed as a respondent in the claims alongside ITN CEO Rachel Corp and others.
