Dan Walker’s Ex-Co-Star Withdraws Bullying and Sexism Claims Against Him

DAN Walker’s former Channel 5 co-anchor Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije has pulled her bullying, sexism, and misogyny claims against him, avoiding a tribunal showdown.

The allegations, which also targeted Channel 5 and ITN, were withdrawn at the last minute after a mutual agreement was reached.

Judge Emma Webster dismissed all claims in open court following the settlement.

Claudia-Liza’s lawyers confirmed she “fully withdraws her allegations relating to Dan Walker and does not intend to repeat or pursue them.” Dan Walker, 49, said he never agreed to settle but was ready to defend himself at tribunal.

He added, “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.”

The Channel 5 News presenter thanked his family, friends, legal team, and colleagues at 5 News and Classic FM for their support throughout.

Claudia-Liza had claimed she was a victim of sham redundancy after whistleblowing on a toxic culture at Channel 5 News, alleging racism and bullying tolerated by ITN and Channel 5.

Both Dan Walker and the broadcasters denied the claims, with an independent investigation clearing Dan of wrongdoing due to lack of evidence.

Veteran broadcaster Sue Barker publicly backed Walker, calling him “one of the nicest, most courteous and hard-working presenters” she has worked with.

Claudia-Liza left Channel 5 in 2024 after working alongside Dan for a year.

She compared her experience to that of actress Blake Lively, highlighting how women speaking out about misconduct often face retaliation.

An ITN spokesperson said they continue to deny the claims but were glad the matter was resolved.

A Channel 5 spokesperson also rejected the allegations and welcomed their withdrawal.

The story closes with the legal dispute behind them, but questions remain about the culture Claudia-Liza described at Channel 5 News.