Derringer out

Morning host, Q107 part ways amid verbal abuse allegations

Corus Entertainment says former morning show host John Derringer and Q107 have “agreed to part ways,” effective immediately.

A statement released by Corus on Twitter Tuesday morning read: “This follows a 22-year tenure as host of Derringer in the Morning. Plans for the show will be forthcoming.”

The company said an independent investigation initiated after allegations brought forward by Derringer’s former colleagues “remains ongoing.”

Some of Derringer’s former co-hosts have alleged workplace harassment and claim Corus allowed the behaviour to remain unchecked for years.

On social media, and in interviews with the Star, four former co-hosts described a pattern of belligerent, abusive behaviour, alleging that Derringer flew into a rage during commercial breaks or in front of as many as 20 staffers, dressing down female co-hosts and colleagues at the popular station. The former co-hosts said they complained to station managers and HR personnel to no avail.

One longtime co-host at the classic rock morning show, Maureen Holloway, said Corus management persuaded people to endure this behaviour by paying what staff secretly referred to as “Derringer money” — raises and bonuses so they kept quiet and stayed.

In May, after the allegations, Corus took Derringer and his show off the air pending an investigation.

Reached by email, Derringer told the Star he was “co-operating fully with the independent investigation initiated by Corus” and he wouldn’t be making any public comment until the investigation is completed.