Comedian Al Porter is facing allegations of sexual misconduct.

According to reports in the Irish edition of the Times four male performers have made allegations. The claims relate to groping or putting his hand down their trousers. He stopped when they reprimanded him.

Porter is the host of the Irish version of Blind Date and is also a DJ on radio station Today FM. These allegations are not connected to Blind Date or his radio show. The newspaper also reports that a separate complaint was raised with Today FM managers over a Facebook message the comic allegedly sent to a musician that had appeared on his radio programme.

Today FM has issued a statement: “Today FM has spoken with Al Porter and his management team concerning these allegations. We take any comments of this nature extremely seriously. Likewise, we take the welfare of our presenters and staff extremely seriously. Today FM is not commenting any further at this time.” 

Update 19/11: Al Porter To Take Radio Break

Today FM has issued a statement, saying: “In light of recent events, Today FM and Al Porter have agreed that Al will take some personal time from his lunchtime radio show. No further comment will be made by Today FM at this time.”

The high-energy comedian, who was a lastminute.com Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee in 2016, is also the host of the Irish version of Blind Date and broadcaster TV3 cancelled Saturday night’s repeat of the final episode of the series. A spokesperson said: “TV3 is aware of the allegations made against Al Porter. TV3 takes any allegations of this nature very seriously and decided it would be inappropriate to broadcast the repeat of the final episode of Blind Date scheduled for this evening (Saturday 18th November). TV3 has no further comment to make at this time.”

Update 20/11: Al Porter Issues A Statement

Al Porter has issued a statement via social media regarding the recent allegations about him.

He says: "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."

Read update 27/11/19 here.