A former co-host of a radio show in Toronto detailed instances of alleged verbal abuse and gender-based discrimination during a human rights tribunal hearing regarding her complaints. Jennifer Valentyne, who co-hosted Q107’s “Derringer in the Morning” from 2017 to 2019, accused her co-hosts Ryan Parker, Johnny Garbutt, and John Derringer of engaging in inappropriate conversations that included showing explicit videos, commenting on women’s appearance, and using derogatory language towards women.
The human rights tribunal took place following the suspension of the popular rock station radio show in May 2022, as Corus Entertainment Inc. initiated an external review of ethics and conduct. Prior to this, Valentyne had publicly criticized her treatment by the company and colleagues. Subsequently, John Derringer and Q107 mutually agreed to part ways in August 2022 as the investigation continued.
Valentyne recounted an incident where Derringer confronted her for praising a man’s appearance, leading to an intimidating confrontation. She claimed to have been bullied by her co-hosts and was discouraged from reporting the behavior to HR, alleging that the company allowed the mistreatment to persist.
Corus Entertainment Inc. responded to the allegations, stating they had conducted an investigation and implemented recommendations from an independent third party. However, Valentyne chose not to participate in the process. The company emphasized its commitment to addressing workplace concerns seriously.
During the tribunal hearing, Valentyne described discriminatory treatment she faced, including restrictions on the use of technology in-studio and unequal airtime compared to male co-hosts. She also raised concerns about vaping during broadcasts, which she claimed negatively impacted her health. Medical records supporting her health issues were presented as evidence.
Valentyne further alleged that her attempts to address the vaping issue with management were dismissed, leading her to record her co-hosts secretly. This resulted in her exclusion from discussions and feeling unprepared for the show. Despite the challenging work environment, Valentyne expressed fear of repercussions if she left the company due to her age and concerns about future employability in the industry.
The tribunal hearings are scheduled to continue over several days in October and will resume in February 2026.