Al Porter releases statement on sexual misconduct allegations in St Patrick’s hospital

Al Porter has released a statement following allegations of sexual misconduct at St Patrick's hospital.

The comedian had been accused in inappropriate behaviour during a charity event at the Dublin mental health hospital. The hospital confirmed late last year that they had received an official complaint regarding Porter's alleged actions. Last night, Porter released a statement on his Facebook page. He said that he had been "forced to comment due to selective leaking to media." He wrote:

''Hi all. Below is a statement. The timing, in the midst of a hugely significant referendum is awful, but I've been forced to comment due to selective leaking to media of a report about my charity radio visit to St Patrick's Hospital in 2015. ''I have always denied any impropriety at St Patrick's Hospital during my charity radio visit. An Independent investigation is ongoing with its report being finalised this week. ''I am very pleased with the outcome."

He went on:

"On our visit there, three years ago, I was exclusively in busy public areas, in full view of staff and visitors, and always in the company of my co-host Colm Hayes, who corroborated my account of the day. ''That physical contact (a hand on the back and chest) during a conversation made the complainant uncomfortable and later that day physical contact (a hand on his shoulder and a kiss on the cheek), my standard photo pose, for a photo he requested, made the complainant uncomfortable again. I regret that. "I hope that the complainant has found some closure through this investigation process. For me, I continue to focus on my own mental health and my family."

Porter resigned from Today FM last year following allegations of sexual misconduct made against him on social media. These allegations were later reshared in print media.