Al Porter Resigns From Today FM

Al Porter has resigned from Today FM.

The well known and hugely popular Dublin comedian has been the subject of allegations of groping. Initially he had decided to take some time away from his work with Today FM. Subsequently, however, TV3 cancelled the planned repeat of the final episode of Blind Date, which he hosted.

Now, with further allegations being broadcast in newspapers today, he has decided to leave Today FM.

Porter issued a statement today. In it, he said that he had been completely taken aback by the weekend's reports. And he added that while his conduct had been in keeping with his "flamboyant and outrageous public persona," it may have been regarded as offensive and unacceptable by many people. He said that he had at no time intended to upset anyone.

His resignation is the latest in a growing number of episodes involving a process of "naming and shaming" on social media. It is a process that has caused considerable disquiet among lawyers, who are concerned about the effective sidelining of due process, and the effect that people can be put in a position where they are assumed guilty without the opportunity to defend themselves.

In his statement, Al Porter explained that he had been unaware of complaints, or of the impact of his conduct – adding that he was truly sorry for any distress he might have caused. He made it clear that he had regarded the circumstances of what was being complained about as light-hearted and good-natured.

In the statement, he said that he could not comment on specific allegations due to legal advice. Notwithstanding that limitation, the comedian sincerely apologised to anyone he may have genuinely offended.

He said he was grateful to Today FM, the Olympia Panto and to TV3 for the space and time to deal with the situation. However, the statement said that he had come to the personal decision that he needed time away from the spotlight after decades in the entertainment industry.