Dan Wootton is a New Zealand-born journalist and broadcaster who has significantly influenced British media, particularly in the realm of celebrity and royal reporting. Born on March 2, 1983, in Wellington, New Zealand, Wootton pursued a Bachelor of Arts in media studies and political science at Victoria University of Wellington. At 21, he relocated to the United Kingdom to advance his journalism career.

Career Overview

Wootton’s early career in the UK saw him contributing to trade magazines before joining Broadcast magazine. In 2007, he became part of the News of the World team, serving as TV editor and later as show-business editor until the publication’s closure in 2011. He then wrote for the Daily Mail and served as editor-at-large for Now magazine. In 2013, Wootton joined The Sun, launching a new column on Sundays and later becoming the editor of the “Bizarre” column in 2014. By 2018, he had risen to the position of executive editor at The Sun.

Beyond print journalism, Wootton has been a prominent figure on television and radio. He appeared as a showbiz reporter on ITV’s morning show Lorraine between 2011 and 2019 and hosted a weekly talkRADIO show called Dan’s Dilemmas starting in March 2018. In February 2020, he took over the station’s drivetime show, replacing Eamonn Holmes.

Controversies and Criticisms

Wootton’s career has been marred by several controversies. In 2015, he faced widespread criticism for an article in The Sun titled “Hollywood HIV Panic,” which was condemned for reinforcing stigma against people with HIV. HIV policy adviser Lisa Power labeled the piece as “vile,” and the British HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust called it “irresponsible.

In September 2023, Wootton was suspended from GB News following an incident where guest Laurence Fox made sexually disparaging comments about journalist Ava Evans on Wootton’s show. The channel deemed the remarks “totally unacceptable,” and Wootton apologized for not intervening during the broadcast. Subsequently, his contract with MailOnline was terminated, and Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, launched an investigation into the incident, concluding that the show breached broadcasting rules. Following these events, Wootton announced his departure from GB News to establish an independent platform, “Dan Wootton Outspoken,” in March 2024.

Dan Wootton has been suspended from GB News following controversial comments by Laurence Fox about journalist Ava Evans. Fox questioned which “self-respecting man” would “climb into bed” with Evans, leading to backlash. Evans reported receiving threats after the broadcast. Wootton, seen laughing during the remarks, later apologized but faced suspension alongside Fox. Politicians and media figures condemned the incident, with calls for stricter Ofcom regulations. The controversy follows prior allegations against Wootton, including claims he used fake identities to solicit explicit material, which he has denied.

Role in Meghan Markle’s Media Narrative

Dan Wootton has been a prominent critic of Meghan Markle, contributing to the negative media portrayal she has faced. His reporting often emphasizes alleged rifts within the royal family, attributing tensions to Meghan’s actions and decisions. For instance, Wootton was among the first to report on the so-called “Megxit,” framing Meghan and Prince Harry’s decision to step back from royal duties as a significant break from royal tradition. His articles frequently highlight perceived breaches of protocol by Meghan and suggest discord between her and other members of the royal family. This type of coverage has played a substantial role in shaping public perception of Meghan, often casting her in a negative light.

Conclusion

Dan Wootton’s career reflects a trajectory of significant influence within British media, marked by high-profile roles and notable controversies. His reporting style and the controversies surrounding his work have sparked discussions about media ethics, responsibility, and the impact of journalism on public figures.

Here are the URLs for the references used in the article:

1. Sky News – Who is Dan Wootton?
   https://news.sky.com/story/who-is-dan-wootton-12937124
2. Wikipedia – Dan Wootton
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Wootton
3. The Guardian – Dan Wootton Cleared of Alleged Criminal Behaviour
   https://www.theguardian.com/media/2024/feb/21/dan-wootton-cleared-of-alleged-criminal-behaviour-after-six-month-investigation
4. Ofcom – Misogynistic Comments on Dan Wootton Tonight
   https://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv-radio-and-on-demand/broadcast-standards/misogynistic-comments-on-dan-wootton-tonight-broke-offence-rules
5. The Guardian – MailOnline Terminates Dan Wootton’s Contract
   https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/sep/28/mailonline-terminates-dan-wootton-contract-daily-mail
6. BBC News – Dan Wootton Allegations
   https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cl4ykn3nem3o
7. YouTube – The Dan Wootton Allegations Explained (ITV News)
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyHbFjvEFTI