Dan Walker speaks out after former Channel 5 co-host withdraws allegations TV presenter Dan Walker has spoken publicly for the first time since his former Channel 5 News co-host Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije withdrew allegations of sexism, racism, bullying and unfair dismissal against him and the broadcaster. The claims, which were due to be heard at an employment tribunal in London from Monday, April 28, 2026, were settled through a mutual agreement between Vanderpuije, ITN and Channel 5. As part of the settlement, Vanderpuije confirmed she fully withdraws her allegations relating to Walker and does not intend to repeat or pursue them. Walker, who co-presented Channel 5 News with Vanderpuije from 2022 until her departure in 2024, denied all allegations made against him throughout the proceedings. In a post to Instagram, he said he felt he should never have been pulled into the case but was fully prepared to defend himself at tribunal. “I firmly feel that I should never have been pulled into this. though, I was fully prepared to proceed to tribunal and defend the allegations which were levelled at me,” Walker wrote. “Through all of this, I have always been concerned for the claimant’s well-being, and that has not changed. I hope she finds peace.” He thanked his family, friends and colleagues who provided statements in his support, adding: “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.” An ITN spokesperson confirmed the broadcaster continues to deny the claims in full and welcomed the resolution of the matter. The employment tribunal hearing was formally dismissed by Judge Emma Webster on Friday, April 25, 2026, following the agreement. Vanderpuije had alleged she was subjected to a toxic workplace culture at Channel 5 News, including racism, sexism, misogyny and bullying, and that her redundancy was a sham due to her whistleblowing disclosures. She also filed claims under the Public Interest Disclosure Act. All of these claims have now been withdrawn as part of the settlement. The case had named Walker, ITN, its CEO Rachel Corp, and Paramount Global – the parent company of Channel 5 – as respondents. No findings of wrongdoing were made against any party following the withdrawal of claims and tribunal dismissal.
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