A DUBLIN PSYCHIATRIC hospital has confirmed that it is investigating a complaint relating to comedian Al Porter.
The investigation follows a story published in The Sunday Times in which a former patient of St Patrick’s hospital on James’s Street made allegations against Porter.
The allegations related to a visit Porter paid to the hospital in 2015.
After the publication of the story on Sunday, St Patrick’s Mental Health Services said it had received no complaints by staff or service users relating to Porter. It encouraged anyone with any such complaints to contact them and gardaí.
Now, in an updated statement issued this afternoon, St Patrick’s has said that it has received such a complaint.
“The organisation is currently investigating the complaint in line with its policies and procedures,” St Patrick’s Mental Health Services said in a statement.
“There will not be any further press releases or statements by SPMHS regarding this matter until that investigation is complete,” the centre added.
Following a number of other allegations against Porter published in national media, the 24-year-old has resigned from Today FM and from the upcoming Olympia panto.
In a statement, he said he was “completely taken aback” by the reports.
“While my conduct, which had been in keeping with my flamboyant and outrageous public persona may be regarded as offensive and unacceptable by many people, I at no time intended to upset anyone,” he continued.
“Up until now, I had been unaware of these complaints or the impact of my conduct and I am truly sorry for any distress I may have caused in what I had regarded as light-hearted and good-natured circumstances.
“Although, on legal advice, I cannot comment on specific allegations at the present time, I nonetheless sincerely apologise to anyone I may have genuinely offended.
“I am very grateful to Today FM, the Olympia Panto and TV3 for the space and time I’ve been granted to deal with the situation. I have however come to the personal decision that I need time away from the spotlight after decades in the entertainment industry. I have informed Today FM that I am resigning from the station with immediate effect.
“To my family, colleagues, friends and fans I thank you for your many, many messages of support.”
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