Steve Paikin calls Sarah Thomson sexual harassment allegations '100% false'

TVO's The Agenda hostStevePaikinresponded to allegations of sexual harassment, mounted by formal mayoral candidate Sarah Thomson, on Tuesday, calling them "100 per cent false."

Paikin'sstatementcomes on the heels of TVOannouncing it would not be removing him from hisrole amidst an investigation.

"To my delight, TVO has left me in the anchor chair of The Agenda. I appreciate that vote of confidence," Paikinsaid in a Facebook post.

"They also did the right thing by calling in an independent third party to investigate this mess and I welcome that investigation. Bring it on!"

Sexual harassmentallegations

In a Feb. 2post on Thomson'swebsiteWomen's Post, shewrote that a political talk show host"asked me if I would sleep with him," after attending a lunchatGrano, a restaurantnear Yonge Street and EglintonAvenueWest.

Thomson wrote that she replied she would never do that and then excusedherself to call her campaign manager.

The post goes on to say that the host has continued to approachher on several different occasions at political functions with the same proposition.

In astatement released by TVO chief executive officer Lisa de Wildeon Monday, the broadcaster said it would be launching an investigation in relationto comments Paikinallegedly made to Thomsonata 2010 lunch.

"TVO does not tolerate sexual harassment. We believe it is important that allegations be fully heard and investigated. Therefore, TVO is appointing an independent third party to investigate Ms. Thomson's allegation," de Wilde said.

Host wants to reclaim reputation

Paikinsaid he has spent more than three decades building his reputation but is now being connected to lies in a story he claims he has no business in.

"Today, I begin to reclaim my reputation and fight back against these scurrilous allegations."

His post goes on to saythat the incident never happened with Thomson.

"I did not have sex, suggest, request, imply, or joke about having sex with you ... you've defamed me," alleges Paikin.

CBCTorontoreached out to Thomson in the wake of Paikin'sresponse, but she declined.