Q107 parts ways with host John Derringer following allegations of workplace harassment

Toronto classic rock radio station Q107 announced Tuesday it has severed ties with host John Derringer following allegations of workplace abuse.

Derringer has been on hiatus since May, when he was accused of verbal abuse and gender-based discrimination by a number of his former co-hosts.

“Q107 and John Derringer have agreed to part ways effective today,” reads a statement from the station. “This follows a 22-year tenure as host of Derringer in the Morning.”

Corus Entertainment is the parent company of the radio station and says an internal investigation into the allegations is still ongoing. The radio station says plans for their morning show will be unveiled in the near future.

In May, a video alleging Derringer of abusive behaviour was posted online by fellow Toronto media personality Jennifer Valentyne. He was put on hiatus and the Derringer in the Morning show page was removed from Q107’s website around the same time.

Valentyne, who co-hosted the show with Derringer for two years, did not name him in her 12-minute video but confirmed to multiple media outlets that he was the person she was referencing. She also accused Corus Entertainment of knowing about the abuse and allowing it to continue.

“What would you do if a co-worker screamed at you, belittled you, called you names, shut you out, brought you to tears, and then laughed when he told you to cry all you want?” asked Valentyne in the video.

“All this while three other men watched uncomfortably, yet supported him because they knew what would happen to them if they went against him.”

Valentyne thanked supporters in a video posted on Facebook Monday evening and called the announcement earlier in the day “a step in the direction,” adding she hopes it sets a “precedent.” She said companies should be held accountable for the conduct of employees.

“The protection and safety of all employees must come first and women, rather than be afraid, should be encouraged to speak up,” Valentyne said.

“If the investigation is continuing fairly, there will be answers as to why the situation was tolerated for so many years.”

Valentyne moved to a television job in 2019 after co-hosting Derringer in the Morning. She was let go a year later and said in her video that she has filed a human rights complaint against Corus Entertainment.

Several other co-hosts of the show have backed up the allegations, including Maureen Holloway and Jacqui Delaney. Holloway told The Toronto Star that Derringer had an anger management issue, but after lodging several complaints, nothing happened, and she was offered a move to another shift.

Derringer has not yet publicly commented on the allegations.