An 11-week probe into allegations that TVO journalist Steve Paikin made an inappropriate sexual comment during a business lunch has cleared him of any wrongdoing.“An independent third-party investigation commissioned by TVO to examine allegations by Sarah Thomson has been completed,” said TVO Chief Executive Officer Lisa de Wilde in a written statement regarding the complaint by the former Toronto mayoral candidate.“The investigation was carried out by Rachel Turnpenney of Turnpenney Milne LLP. It involved interviews with 21 witnesses over 11 weeks. The investigator found that the allegations were not substantiated and Mr. Paikin did not violate TVO policies. As such, the investigation is now closed. “TVO is proud of the work of Steve Paikin, who has been at the centre of TVO’s journalism for more than 25 years.”On Twitter, Paikin, a married father of four, expressed relief that the ordeal was over.“While the last 11 weeks have been pretty difficult, I’m relieved to read this report,” the veteran broadcaster tweeted.“My deepest thanks to all who believed me,” he said. Thomson had alleged that Paikin had sexually propositioned her during a 2010 lunch. The 27-page report calls Thomson a “complex complainant.”“At times, the investigator had some serious concerns with Thomson’s approach to the investigation. The investigator learned that Thomson was contacting potential witnesses in what appeared to be either a fishing expedition to secure other potential complainants against Paikin or to garner support for her recollection. Thomson also demonstrated a tendency to suggest to witnesses a version of events (in line with her own perspective) prior to their interviews with the investigator.“That said, Thomson ultimately presented in a forthright and unguarded manner.”“...There is little doubt that Thomson genuinely believes that Paikin made a sexual advance and/or ...
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