Derringer harassment probe complete, Q107 says

An external investigation into allegations of workplace harassment at Toronto radio station Q107 has concluded, the station says, months after morning host John Derringer left his position.

The station said in a statement on Twitter on Tuesday that it intends to implement the investigator’s recommendations — but did not disclose what those recommendations were.

The external investigation was conducted by Rachel Turnpenny from Turnpenney Milne LLP after a storm of allegations that accused Derringer of belligerent, abusive behaviour directed toward his colleagues, including outbursts in front of up to 20 staffers, belittling co-workers and screaming at them so profusely that he spat on their face.

Derringer has not previously responded to requests from the Star for comment, and did not do so Wednesday.

The Star previously spoke with four of Derringer’s former co-workers, who were all women, who alleged they experienced abusive behaviour from him.

Several of the women said Corus Entertainment, which owns Q107, knew of Derringer’s alleged behaviour for years and did nothing about it, even after people complained.

In some cases, the company is accused of protecting Derringer.

The allegations entered the public eye when longtime TV host Jennifer Valentyne posted a video on social media where she detailed her experience, including belittling comments about her age and gender. She said she had registered a complaint of gender discrimination with the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

At the time, a Corus spokesperson said “new information about workplace concerns” came to their attention earlier that month and that they were also aware of a complaint made by Valentyne previously.

Valentyne co-hosted “Derringer in the Morning” from 2017 to 2019. In her video, she does not identify Derringer or Corus Entertainment, but told the Star and other media that she was referring to Derringer and to Corus.

In its statement on Twitter, Q107 said the investigation included participation from both current and former employees.

A Q107 spokesperson said in a statement to the Star that the independent investigator provided a report to each individual complainant regarding their specific concerns.

Corus took Derringer and his show — “Derringer in the Morning” — off the air in May. It was reported that Derringer left his position in August after 22 years.

Four of John Derringer’s former co-workers, all women, alleged they experienced abusive behaviour from him