DAN Walker’s Channel 5 co-star has withdrawn bullying, sexism and misogynist claims against him – avoiding a public five-week showdown.
The Channel 5 News host, 49, said he should “never have been pulled into this” after an agreement was reached with Channel 5 and ITN.
Former co-host Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije, 47, was taking him, Channel 5 and ITN to tribunal over claims of sexism, misogyny, racism and bullying.
But she withdrew her claims at the last minute today.
After being presented with the agreement, Judge Emma Webster told open court: “I will dismiss all claims.”
Claudia-Liza was alleging racism, sexism, misogyny and a culture of bullying at production company ITN.
But she has now withdrawn her claims after reaching a “mutual agreement” with Dan and ITN.
Her lawyers added: “Claudia-Liza fully withdraws her allegations relating to Dan Walker and does not intend to repeat or pursue them.”
Dan said in a statement he had not agreed to settle, adding: “Channel 5 and ITN have reached an agreement with the claimant.
“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.
“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.
“My thanks also to my legal team and the wonderful colleagues at 5 News and Classic FM who have supported me every step of the way.”
Claudia-Liza had claimed that she was the victim of a sham redundancy because as a whistleblower she made protected disclosures alleging that a toxic culture existed in the Channel 5 Newsroom, and that its editorial content reflected its racist culture.
She also alleged that ITN and Channel 5 tried to cover up the racist culture at Channel 5 News which they have tolerated despite this breaching their statutory obligations under Equality Act 2010 the terms of their Ofcom License.
But Dan Walker, Channel 5 and ITN completely denied the claims.
Dad-of-three Dan – a devout Christian – had amassed more than 50 character witness statements to defend himself
Veteran broadcaster Sue Barker had also publicly defended him. She 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.
“I have sat next to him in production many times and he really is one of the nicest, most courteous and hard-working presenters I have broadcast with.
“When I read what was in the papers, I was happy to contact him and give 100 per cent support. I told him to stay strong and that I would help in any way I could.”
Claudia-Liza left Channel 5 in 2024. She had worked with Walker for her final 12 months.
Walker was hit by a “multi-pronged complaint” in 2024 which Channel 5 investigated. He was cleared of any wrongoing, and independent investigators cited “a lack of evidence to support allegations”.
A Channel 5 spokesman said at the time that “none” of the claims were upheld, and Walker later said that he had been “entirely vindicated by an independent inquiry”.
Vanderpuije joined Channel 5 in 2018. She hosted 5 News TOnight, 5 News at 5, and sometimes The Wright stuff.
She compared her situation to This Ends With Us actress Blake Lively, who accused her co-star Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and severe emotional distress in 2024.
Vanderpuije wrote online: I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted.
She added: “Never in my wildest nightmares did I think I would be living the same life, speaking EXACTLY the same words as a Hollywood actress.
“It is deeply upsetting to see how women are silenced and our names smeared simply because we speak out protecting others and calling out wrongdoing.”
Following today’s decision, an ITN spokesperson added: “We continue to deny these claims in full, and we are glad this matter has been resolved.”
A Channel 5 spokesperson added: “We strongly reject the claims that were made and are pleased that this matter has been resolved and that all the allegations relating to Dan Walker have been withdrawn.”
