Tom Ballard, comedian and host of ABC show Tonightly, denies sexual assault allegation

Comedian Tom Ballard has released a statement on his website denying an allegation of sexual assault.

Ballard, host of the ABC show Tonightly with Tom Ballard, said he had a "consensual sexual experience with someone" four years ago.

In the statement, Ballard said he had become aware over the past six months about an allegation of sexual assault against him, which was aired publicly on Saturday.

He said he completely denied the allegation "in the strongest terms possible".

"I had absolutely no idea he believed it wasn't consensual until six months ago," Ballard said.

"His version of that experience as described on social media is simply not what happened.

"This false claim has been spread via social media, text messages and gossip. It has been deeply distressing for me, my friends and my family. It has affected my work and my mental health.

"I have not done anything wrong. Any suggestion otherwise is false, deeply distressing and unhelpful."

The ABC said in a statement that it was aware of a claim made on social media against Ballard.

"Tom has denied this claim in the strongest terms possible," the statement said.

"The ABC takes any allegation of harassment very seriously and does not condone or tolerate any inappropriate behaviour.

"All ABC employees are made aware of and must abide by our discrimination, bullying and harassment policy at all times.

"We have no further comment to make at this stage".

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