Paikin was accused in February of sexually harassing a former Toronto mayoral candidate

An allegation that Steve Paikin sexually harassed a former Toronto mayoral candidate is unsubstantiated, according to an independent third-party investigation commissioned by TVO.

Back in February, Sarah Thomson said Paikin, the host of TVO's The Agenda, propositioned her for sex during a 2010 lunch.

For his part, Paikin said the allegations were “100% false,” and he would fight back against them.

“An independent third-party investigation commissioned by TVO to examine allegations by Sarah Thomson has been completed,” said a statement issued Friday by TVO CEO Lisa de Wilde.

“The investigation was carried out by Rachel Turnpenney of Turnpenney Milne LLP. It involved interviews with 21 witnesses over 11 weeks.

“The investigator found that the allegations were not substantiated and Mr. Paikin did not violate TVO policies. As such, the investigation is now closed.”

“TVO is proud of the work of Steve Paikin, who has been at the centre of TVO’s journalism for more than 25 years.”

Paikin tweeted about the outcome of the investigation Friday morning.

“While the last 11 weeks have been pretty difficult, I'm relieved to read this report,” he said. “My deepest thanks to all who believed me.”

Paikin has been Laurentian University's chancellor for five years.

When Thomson made her accusation in February, the university said it would wait on the outcome of the investigation before determining if any further action was required.

— Sudbury.com