An episode of Blind Date was pulled from TV3’s schedule this weekend – amid sexual misconduct claims against Al Porter.
The station was due to air a repeat episode of the show this weekend, but last minute replaced the segment.
According to the Irish Mail On Sunday a “number of advertisers raised concerns” over the repeat episode being shown.
However the show’s title sponsor, Cadbury Ireland, denied they asked for the episode to be pulled, saying it was a “matter for TV3 and for Al Porter’s employers”.
A TV3 spokeswoman confirmed that the repeat was pulled due to the allegations.
“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.
“TV3 has no further comment to make at this time,” they told the publication.
Al is now being represented by top Irish libel lawyer Paul Tweed, who has represented the likes of Justin Timberlake, Louis Walsh and Harrison Ford.
“Al is extremely upset at the recent claims. He has sought legal advice and will see what comes out in the media over the weekend before deciding on what statement, if any, he will be making,” a source said.
“A lot has been claimed online but that does not mean any or all of it is true.”
Today FM have already confirmed that Al will take “personal time” away from his week day radio show.
Meanwhile Al is due to star alongside Dustin The Turkey in the Olympia Theatre for their annual panto, and a decision has yet to be made on whether Al will still be apart of the production.
