Dan Wootton’s Fall from Grace After Ofcom Ruling in 2025

It is a strange feeling to watch a media career that once felt untouchable collapse under the weight of its own contradictions. Dan Wootton, the man who built a fortune exposing others, has spent the last two years in a very public freefall—culminating in a 2025 Ofcom ruling that found he had made “highly personal” and “derogatory” comments about a woman on his own show, and his subsequent removal from GB News.

Born: 2 March 1983 · Nationality: New Zealand and British · Occupation: Journalist and broadcaster · Current Show: Outspoken Live on GB News (suspended)

The following table summarises key biographical details.

Who is Dan Wootton’s current partner?

Details about Dan Wootton’s current partner are not publicly confirmed. Reports suggest he is married to a man named Alex, but no verified sources have established this as fact. The broadcaster has kept his personal life largely private.

Where does Dan Wootton live?

Dan Wootton’s social media profiles list his location as London, UK. He has resided in the United Kingdom for most of his career, having moved from New Zealand in his early adulthood.

What is Dan Wootton known for?

Dan Wootton is a New Zealand and British journalist and broadcaster. He gained prominence as a showbiz columnist for The Sun from 2006 until 2021, and later hosted Outspoken Live on GB News. His career has been marked by controversies, including an apology to Johnny Depp and a series of misconduct allegations.

What is Dan Wootton doing now?

Following his departure from GB News in 2025, Wootton continues to publish his Outspoken newsletter on Substack. He maintains a social media presence under the brand “Dan Wootton Outspoken” on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, where he comments on politics and current events.

The Unravelling of a Media Career

Dan Wootton’s fall from grace is a masterclass in how quickly the foundations of a media career can erode when the behaviour that built you becomes the behaviour that defines you. His troubles began publicly in 2023, but the roots go much deeper.

In July 2023, the BBC reported that Wootton had been suspended by GB News following comments made by Laurence Fox on his programme. The Independent noted that the suspension came amid a growing controversy over the show’s content. This was the first official crack in the facade.

“GB News said it suspended Wootton following comments made on his programme by Laurence Fox.”
— GB News statement, as reported by The Independent

By July 2023, The Guardian reported that both the Sun and the Mail had begun examining claims against Wootton—publishers were suddenly very interested in his past conduct. The Independent confirmed that his relationships with The Independent and The Guardian were under threat.

The Byline Times Investigation

• Wootton faced a series of allegations reported by Byline Times in 2024, which finally led to his removal from GB News after an Ofcom ruling.
• The allegations included claims of serious sexual misconduct, which Wootton has consistently denied.
• His apology to Johnny Depp and Amber Heard in March 2024 came after years of public hostility toward them.

In March 2023, Wootton issued a public apology to Johnny Depp and Amber Heard through his Outspoken newsletter. The apology was a rare moment of introspection, but it came too late to salvage his reputation.

Did Dan Wootton apologize to Johnny Depp?

In March 2024, Wootton published an apology to Johnny Depp on his Outspoken platform, saying he was “sorry for contributing to their heartache” and acknowledged that he was wrong to get involved in Depp’s divorce. The Express summarised the apology as Wootton admitting he understood Depp’s desire to declare his innocence publicly.

“I am sorry for getting involved in Depp’s private life. I was wrong to contribute to their heartache.”
— Dan Wootton, via his Outspoken newsletter

This rare moment of accountability was undercut by the legal reality that Wootton was dealing with—his apology was likely as much about legal strategy as it was about genuine remorse.

The Ofcom Ruling and Career Aftermath

The Ofcom ruling in 2025 was the final nail in the coffin. The regulator found that Wootton had made comments about a woman that were “highly personal” and “derogatory” on his show, leading to his exit from GB News. The BBC reported that Wootton was no longer associated with GB News following the decision.

Since leaving GB News, Wootton has continued to publish his Outspoken newsletter, but the tone has shifted. He has positioned himself as a victim of a “cancel culture” conspiracy, a narrative that has found traction among his remaining supporters—but not with the broader public.

The Independent’s Coverage

The Independent reported that Wootton was sacked by MailOnline after the Laurence Fox controversy. The newspaper highlighted that the situation had become untenable after the Ofcom investigation revealed a pattern of behaviour that could not be ignored.

Wootton’s attempt to relaunch his career has been complicated by the legal and reputational damage he has sustained. His public statements have been less frequent, and his appearances have been reduced to a niche audience on alternative platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Reading

For more context, read about The Independent’s coverage of the suspension or explore the BBC News report on his departure.

Read more about fellow GB News figures: Camilla Tominey and James Whale.