Ex-Channel 5 co-host alleges racist culture ahead of tribunal

Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije has leveled a sweeping charge against Channel 5 News, alleging a toxic culture that she describes as racist, sexist, misogynistic and bullying. She says she was the victim of a sham redundancy after whistleblowing about these issues, a move she claims was blocked by editors who tried to cover up the culture she says permeated the program. Her comments come as she prepares to bring the case to an employment tribunal and face her former co-host in a formal setting.

Dan Walker, who joined 5 News in 2022 after leaving BBC Breakfast, is expected to appear at the London Central employment tribunal later this month. He denies all the allegations. ITN, the producer behind Channel 5 News, also named in the case, has said it denies the claims in full and will address them through the tribunal process. A separate report noted that investigators were brought in by Channel 5 in 2024 after a colleague raised a “multi-pronged” complaint about Walker, but the inquiry reportedly found insufficient evidence to support the allegations at that time.

Vanderpuije and Walker presented 5 News together for several years, with Vanderpuije departing the channel in 2024 after five years on air. As the tribunal approaches, sources connected to the case have described the dispute as a high-profile workplace dispute that tests the broadcaster’s culture and editorial direction. Her legal representative has indicated that Vanderpuije will not be able to discuss further details publicly until the tribunal rules, given ongoing legal constraints.

The case casts a spotlight on newsroom culture within major UK broadcasters and raises questions about how allegations of discrimination and bullying are handled in high-pressure television environments. Both sides have urged that the tribunal process be allowed to proceed without prejudice, with a focus on factual findings and appropriate remedies if warranted.

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