Devendra Kumar
Dan Wootton, the New Zealand-born TV presenter and columnist, has seen his MailOnline column paused as the publication investigates allegations that he used a pseudonym and offered colleagues money for sexual material. Wootton has written a regular column for MailOnline since 2021, with his last article published on June 29th. The investigations were sparked by claims made against the GB News presenter, who previously worked at The Sun newspaper.
Wootton used his self-titled GB News program to admit that he had made “errors of judgment” in the past, but he branded the “criminal allegations” as “simply untrue”. The allegations are serious and historic, and Wootton has denied them strenuously. As a result, the investigation is ongoing, with an independent probe under way at the media group that employed him during the relevant period.
DMG Media, the publisher of MailOnline, has confirmed that Wootton’s freelance column has been paused, pending the outcome of the investigation. The Sun, Wootton’s previous employer, is also looking into the allegations, although the publication has declined to comment further. The Sun’s editor, Victoria Newton, wrote to the Culture, Media and Sport Committee chairwoman, Dame Caroline Dinenage, last month requesting details of the newspaper’s investigation into Wootton.
Wootton’s background is marked by high-profile scoops, including the breaking of the story surrounding the departure of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex from royal duties. He left his job as executive editor at The Sun in January 2021, after several years at the publication. Wootton has also hosted his own show on GB News, titled Dan Wootton Tonight, which explores daily news stories and hosts interviews.
The allegations against Wootton have raised concerns about his behavior and judgment during his time at The Sun. Although he has denied the allegations, the investigation will seek to determine the validity of the claims. With his MailOnline column paused and his reputation under scrutiny, Wootton will be under intense pressure to prove the allegations unfounded. If the allegations are found to be true, it could have serious consequences for Wootton’s career and reputation.