TV presenter Dan Walker is set to face a high-stakes employment tribunal later this month, after his former Channel 5 News co-anchor Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije accused him of sexism, misogyny toward a Black woman, and workplace bullying.
The hearing, scheduled to begin in London on April 20 and expected to last up to four days, will see both presenters come face-to-face in what is shaping up to be one of the most explosive newsroom disputes in recent years.
Walker, who joined Channel 5 News in April 2022 after leaving the BBC, is named as a respondent in the case alongside ITN—the producer of the programme—and Channel 5’s owner, Paramount.
The broadcaster, a married father of three, has firmly denied all allegations. According to sources close to him, he is preparing to defend himself with more than 50 character witness statements from high-profile figures including footballers, Olympians, journalists, and fellow presenters.
A source insisted that Walker “absolutely denies any sexism, misogyny, racism or bullying,” adding that the case has “been hanging over him for years.” The source also said he would attend the London tribunal to “tell the judge the truth,” noting he has been both “stunned” and “deeply upset” by the accusations.
The claims stem from Vanderpuije’s departure from Channel 5 in 2023 after five years with the broadcaster, including her final year co-presenting alongside Walker.
Behind the scenes, efforts to avoid a public courtroom battle appear to have failed. Vanderpuije, who has enlisted high-profile legal representation, reportedly sought a substantial financial settlement before proceedings began. Initial demands were said to reach into eight figures, with a later attempt to resolve the dispute for £4 million also rejected—clearing the path for a full tribunal hearing.
In a move that added further intrigue, Vanderpuije recently invited her Instagram followers to message her if they wanted to “know more about the allegations,” hinting at deeper claims yet to be aired publicly.
The case also follows a previous internal investigation in 2024 into allegations of serious misconduct against Walker. That probe concluded with no findings upheld against him. Walker later confirmed he had been “entirely vindicated by an independent inquiry,” with sources saying there was insufficient evidence to support the claims at the time.
Despite that earlier outcome, the legal battle is now set to play out in court—placing both reputations under intense scrutiny as the tribunal approaches.
