Dan Walker to appear at tribunal as ex co-host brings bullying claim

Employment Tribunal Over Bullying Allegations

TV presenter Dan Walker is set to face an employment tribunal following a claim by his ex-Channel 5 News co-host, Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije, who alleges she experienced workplace bullying. Vanderpuije’s legal team has confirmed that both ITN, the production company behind Channel 5 News, and its parent organization Paramount are named as respondents in the case.

According to The Mail on Sunday, which initially broke the story, the ex-BBC Breakfast host is accused of engaging in sexist and misogynistic behavior. ITN has stated that the allegations are “denied in full,” with a spokesperson adding, “This claim will be addressed through the tribunal process.”

“This claim is fully denied and will be contested through the tribunal process.” – ITN spokesperson

Walker and Paramount have been approached for comment. The Mail on Sunday, citing an anonymous source, reports that Walker denies the allegations and has secured over 50 character witness statements to support his defense. A prior internal review of the accusations against Walker did not confirm any wrongdoing, with no misconduct found during the investigation.

The trial, which is scheduled to commence in London on 20 April and is expected to span five weeks, was confirmed by Vanderpuije’s lawyer Jonathan Coad. Walker joined Vanderpuije as a co-host on Channel 5 News in 2022. Vanderpuije departed from the network in 2024.

ITN’s CEO, Rachel Corp, is also listed as a respondent in the case.