Al Porter has resigned from his lunchtime slot on Today FM following a large number of unsubstantiated sexual misconduct allegations.
TV3 have also pulled a scheduled episode of ‘Blind Date’, which is presented by Porter.
According to The Times, it has been alleged that 24-year-old Porter has groped fellow performers and sent inappropriate messages to a musician after their appearance on Today FM. Four performers told The Times that Porter grabbed their crotches on numerous different occasions spanning several years.
In a statement issued on social media, he says he “at no time intended to upset anyone.”
“I have been completely taken aback by reports in the media and on the social networks over the weekend, and by the scale and tone of the vitriol.
“While my conduct, which had been in keeping with my flamboyant and outrageous public persona may be regarded as offensive and unacceptable by many people, I at no time intended to upset anyone.
“Up until now, I had been unaware of these complaints or the impact of my conduct and I am truly sorry for any distress I may have caused in what I had regarded as light-hearted and good-natured circumstances.
“Although, on legal advice, I cannot comment on specific allegations at the present time, I nonetheless sincerely apologise to anyone I may have genuinely offended.
“I am very grateful to Today FM, the Olympia Panto and TV3 for the space and time I’ve been granted to deal with the situation. I have however come to the personal decision that I need time away from the spotlight after decades in the entertainment industry.
“I have informed Today FM that I am resigning from the station with immediate effect.
“To my family, colleagues, friends and fans I thank you for your many, many messages of support.”
In a short statement, Today FM acknowledged that they received notice of his resignation.
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