Dan Walker has received public support from esteemed broadcaster Sue Barker ahead of his employment tribunal, which is set to begin on Monday. The former BBC Sport presenter described Walker as 'one of the nicest, most courteous and hard-working presenters' she has worked with.
Walker, 49, faces allegations of sexism, misogyny, and workplace bullying made by his former Channel 5 co-host, Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije. He is named as a respondent alongside ITN, which produces the programme, and Channel 5's parent company, Paramount. Walker has strongly denied the allegations.
An ITN spokesperson stated: 'This claim, which is denied in full, will be addressed through the tribunal process.' More than 50 people have reportedly come forward with witness statements supporting Walker, who will attend the tribunal to clear his name.
Barker told The Sun: 'I don’t feel I’m putting my head above the parapet speaking up for Dan. I know he’d do the same. When I read what was in the papers, I was happy to contact him and give 100 per cent support.'
Vanderpuije, who left Channel 5 in 2024, claims she was a victim of a 'sham redundancy' and alleges a toxic culture of racism, sexism, misogyny, and bullying at Channel 5 News. She also claims ITN and Channel 5 attempted to cover up the alleged racist culture, breaching obligations under the Equality Act 2010.
Walker previously told The Telegraph: 'I haven’t really talked about it, but that was fully investigated and everything was completely incorrect and I was entirely vindicated by an independent inquiry.' However, this has been disputed and is expected to be discussed at the tribunal.
