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Comedian Al Porter was questioned by Gardai yesterday after a new allegation was made against him.

According to The Sun, the comedian was interviewed by detectives in Dublin yesterday. 

Porter has previously denied a number of allegation made against him by a number of men last year, who claim that he engaged inappropriate sexual misconduct against them.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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This time, it is reported that Porter is being interviewed about an incident in which it is alleged the former radio host groped a man at a Dublin event. 

This claim is not related to the allegation that the comedian groped a psychiatric patient in a hospital during a charity visit.

'I have always denied any impropriety at St Patrick's Hospital during my charity radio visit,' he said in a  previous statement. 

 Last November, a number of people came forward alleging that the former Today FM DJ had acted inappropriately towards them.

These claims included statements from other comedians who said that Porter had touched them inappropriately in social or professional settings. 

'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,' he said previously.

'I sincerely apologise to anyone I may have genuinely offended.'

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Al Porter has broken his silence after a patient at a Dublin psychiatric hospital claimed they were groped by the comedian during a charity visit, 

Last November, a number of people came forward alleging that the former Today FM DJ had acted inappropriately towards them. 

Among these was a young man who said Al had touched and kissed him during a visit to St Patrick's Mental Health hospital in 2015. 

A statement form the comic's legal team says he is co-operating fully with inquiries, adding that the star "categorically denies the allegation of criminal wrongdoing."

An investigation was launched after the former patient lodged a complaint and although St Patrick's say they found nothing of concern, the victim has now asked for an outside investigator to be brought in. 

A source at the facility told The Sunday Mirror: “You can’t investigate a claim that wasn’t known about – it was made over two years after the alleged incident.

"From a hospital care point of view, we had to ensure we didn’t miss any alarms raised – that all patients were looked after in line with procedure at all times.”

According to reports, the showbiz star, from Tallaght in South Dublin, is estimated to have lost work worth €500,000 since the claims came to light late last year. 

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Yesterday, it was confirmed that Muireann O'Connell would take the place of Al Porter on Today FM's lunchtime slot – an announcement that was met with delight from both broadcasters and listeners, alike.

In November of last year after a number of sexual misconduct allegations, Al Porter made the decision to resign from his roles on Today FM and Blind Date.

In the wake of Muireann's appointment, the Tallaght-native was asked his opinion on the broadcaster set to take his place on the popular radio station, and wasted no time emphasising his support for the Limerick presenter.

Speaking to The Irish Star, the 25-year-old insisted that he felt the station had made the right decision, saying: "The minute I saw the news I texted Today FM's station manager Adelle to tell Muireann I think she'll be great and wish her the best."

With allegations of sexual misconduct still fresh in the public's mind, the comedian and presenter acknowledged the gravity of the situation and reiterated that he considered it appropriate to step down in the wake of the scandal.

"I wasn't asked to resign from any of my jobs, I took that step away myself, facing the very serious claims made," he added. "There are no hard feelings."

Keith McCormack, CEO of Today FM, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Muireann to the daytime line up on Today FM."

"Listeners will already be familiar with Muireann from her various roles on the station, notably her hugely successful ‘Saturday Hits’ show.”

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Muireann O'Connell has been confirmed as the new presenter of Today FM's lunchtime slot.

The broadcaster, who was originally drafted in on a temporary basis in November 2017, will permanently replace the show's previous host, Al Porter, who stepped down in the wake of allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

Muireann, who is best-known for co-hosting The Six O'Clock Show on TV3, is no stranger to the Irish airwaves.

With over 12 years of broadcasting experience, the Limerick native has worked with a number of radio station including Spin South West and Dublin's 98FM.

Commenting on the news, Muireann said, "I have loved Today FM for as long as I remember and the idea of ever getting to work here was something I never imagined would happen. I love this place and everyone who works here and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Keith McCormack, CEO of Today FM, also said: “We’re delighted to welcome Muireann to the daytime line up on Today FM. Listeners will already be familiar with Muireann from her various roles on the station, notably her hugely successful ‘Saturday Hits’ show.”

“Muireann is an extremely talented broadcaster and presenter and on behalf of the Today FM team, I’d like to extend our best wishes to her as she takes up the midday mantel. We have big plans in 2018 for the station and look forward to sharing these with our listeners.”

Muireann's new show will run from 12pm to 1.30pm daily on Today FM. 

We can't wait to listen!

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A bishop has spoken out in defence of Al Porter after he was accused of multiple accounts of sexual misconduct.

Last year, the comedian and broadcaster was forced leave his role as Today FM's lunchtime presenter, as well as his role in the Olympia panto following allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

The final six episodes of Blind Date where also pulled by TV3 bosses.

Four fellow comedians accused the 24-year-old of harassment and groping, with one alleging that the comedy star out his hands down the front of his jeans.

Following the claims, Al issued an apology on Twitter, though for many fans it was a case of too little, too late.

However, Dublin's Auxiliary Bishop, Eamonn Walsh, is now urging people to be more understanding towards those who are going through a tough time.

“Let's not jump to judgment without the facts and we have to be aware that there may be judicial proceedings down the line so I wouldn't like to say anything that would interfere with that,” he said.

“He's a man who has spoken out about difficulties with mental health issues and we do not want to push him over the edge and you have to think there's always people behind these things.”

“A person is not a commodity – we all have family and friends. Everybody's so self-righteous these days.”

Speaking to The Irish Independent he asked people to allow justice take it's course.

“We allow justice to take its course, and not usurp it through public condemnation, humiliation and sentence without trial.”

“May the darkness that was visited on our local comedian, before justice to all could be processed, be replaced with balance, proper proportion and fair play, so that he may feel free and welcome to make us laugh again.”

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TV3 has axed the final six episode's of Al Porter's Blind Date, which were due to air early next year.

The decision comes following a string of allegations made against the comedian turned broadcaster claiming that he acted inappropriately towards a number of fellow comedians at various events over the past five years.

According to reports, 12 episodes of the popular game show had been filmed, with the second half of the series due to go to air in January 2018. 

A source told The Irish Mail on Sunday, "It's an absolute disaster for TV3. They spent a fortune on Blind Date, buying the format, the production, the promotion, not to mention Al's salary, but they are left with no option."

"The remaining six will never see the light of day, it's an absolute disaster all-round."

Since the allegations came to light, Al has resigned from his role as lunchtime presenter on Today FM and has been axed from this year's Olympia panto. 

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Just days before facing allegations of sexual harassment, Al Porter spoke to Hot Press about his thoughts on the sexual assault accusations pouring out of Hollywood at an alarming rate. 

The comedian is facing claims of sexual harassment, groping and misconduct from four fellow comedians.

Speaking exclusively to Hot Press, Porter described the Weinstein scandal as being a 'watershed moment culturally where what is seen as decent and acceptable behaviour is going to change.'

 

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The comedian condemned the actions of abusers, and said that from this point onwards, many people would be drastically changing their behaviour. 

'I don’t care how provocatively a woman dresses, or how late at night she arranged to have a business meeting with you,' he said when asked about consent. 

'Or whether it was in your hotel room or not. If you’re grabbing her and she doesn’t want it, you’re in the wrong,' he told the music mag

Porter, who has been accused of groping a number of men, went on to say:

'I would hate to tar a comedian with that brush, but it is my experience that if you are in a gay bar, if I had a euro for every time I was grabbed or pulled or somebody laid a kiss on me and I wasn’t expecting it at all.'

'That kinda thing happens for right or wrong,' he told Hot Press.

Porter has apologised for his behaviour, and has resigned from his radio show on Today FM.

'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.'

'I sincerely apologise to anyone I may have genuinely offended.'

Porter has since been dropped from this year's pantomime, Polly and The Beanstalk. 

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St Patrick's Mental Health Services has confirmed it has received a formal complaint about comedian and broadcaster, Al Porter.

The news comes following a string of allegations made against the 24-year-old claiming that he acted inappropriately towards a number of fellow comedians at various events over the past five years.

The Dublin hospital had previously denied that the accused had acted inappropriately during a visit with a charity after the alleged incident was reported in The Sunday Times.

However, in a statement this evening, the organisation said that "since issuing that press release, SPMHS has received such a complaint."

"The organisation is currently investigating the complaint in line with its policies and procedures."

In the wake of the allegations made against him, Al has resigned from his position at Today FM and has stepped aside from his role in the Olympia panto.

In a statement issued over the weekend, the comedian claimed that his conduct was “in keeping with [his] flamboyant and outrageous public persona.”

"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," he wrote. 

His apology has since been branded as "insulting" by his accusers. 

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Following the allegations levelled against stand-up comedian and radio and TV presenter, Al Porter, in recent days, the Tallaght-native has stepped down from various high-profile positions.

In addition to taking a break from hosting Blind Date and  presenting his radio slot on Today FM, it was also confirmed that the 24-year will no longer been appearing in pantomime, Polly and The Beanstalk.

This morning, it was announced that Porter will be replaced by Rory Cowan of Mrs Brown's Boys and Gogglebox fame.

Taking to Twitter, the Olympia Theatre confirmed the change in line-up, writing: "Excited at the news @1rorycowan is on board for Polly & The Beanstalk!"

According to the post, the 58-year-old actor is overjoyed at the prospect of taking part in the production, and thrilled to perform at the iconic Dublin venue.

"Rory Cowan said “I am very happy to be joining the cast of The Olympia Theatre panto. I am a huge panto fan and treading the hallowed boards of The Olympia is a privilege for me”.

Porter's response to the allegations has been mixed, but many have taken umbrage with the focus he placed on his so-called persona.

"He's just being "outrageous" tho. Honestly that statement may top Spacey's," wrote one while another added: "Blame it on the persona…That'll go down well."
 

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Al Porter has resigned as the host of the lunchtime show on Today FM with immediate effect.

His decision comes following a string of allegations against the broadcaster claiming that he acted inappropriately towards a number of fellow comedians at various events over the past five years.

In a statement issued this evening, Al claimed that his conduct was “in keeping with [his] flamboyant and outrageous public persona.”

Read the full statement below: 

"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."

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Al Porter is to take some “personal time” away from his Today FM radio show following claims of inappropriate sexual behaviour.

Earlier this week, the comedy star turned broadcaster was accused of groping and harassing four fellow comedians at various events over the past five years.

The 24-year-old has yet to comment on the allegations, though Today FM did respond to the situation in a statement released last night.

“In light of recent event, Today FM and Al Porter have agreed that Al will take some personal time from his lunchtime radio show,” it read.

Adding: “No further comment will be made by Today FM at this time.”

As host of the TV3 series Blind Date, the station have also announced that it would cancel the repeat broadcast of the finale in the wake of the allegations.

TV3 takes any allegations of this nature very seriously and has decided that it would be inappropriate to broadcast the repeat of the final episode of Blind Date scheduled for Sunday evening,” a spokesperson said.

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Today FM presenter and host of TV3's Blind Date Al Porter is facing claims of sexual harassment and misconduct. 

Porter has been accused of groping and harassing four fellow comedians. 

He has not yet publicly responded to the claims. 

'As he was paying me, he put his hand straight down the front of my jeans,' comedian Davey Reilly told The Times, who previously worked for Porter at a comedy night in Dublin. 

He went on to detail how a second groping incident occurred in the bathroom of a comedy club in Edinburgh. 

'This was in the public bathroom. There were other people around, that was how brazen it was,' he told The Times.

In a statement issued to The Journal last night, Today FM said: '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.'

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