David Walliams ‘strongly denies’ allegations of inappropriate behaviour

Walliams, 54, is an award-winning children’s author whose books have sold more than 60 million copies globally, according to the HarperCollins website.

David Walliams has been dropped by his publisher (Ian West/PA)

David Walliams “strongly denies” allegations of inappropriate behaviour and was not informed about or party to an investigation by publisher HarperCollins, a spokesperson for the author and TV star has said.

Walliams, 54, known for appearing in comedy shows including Come Fly With Me and Little Britain alongside Matt Lucas, was dropped by HarperCollins who said “after careful consideration” they would not be publishing any new titles from the award-winning children’s author.

The decision to drop him was made following an investigation into allegations he had “harassed” young women, the Telegraph reported.

David Walliams arriving for Britain’s Got Talent auditions in 2022 (Steve Parsons/PA)

A spokesperson for Walliams said in a statement to the Press Association: “David has never been informed of any allegations raised against him by HarperCollins.

“He was not party to any investigation or given any opportunity to answer questions. David strongly denies that he has behaved inappropriately and is taking legal advice” In a statement, HarperCollins said: “After careful consideration, and under the leadership of its new CEO, HarperCollins UK has decided not to publish any new titles by David Walliams. The author is aware of this decision.” They added: “HarperCollins takes employee wellbeing extremely seriously and has processes in place for reporting and investigating concerns. To respect the privacy of individuals we do not comment on internal matters.” Walliams has written books including The Boy In The Dress, Fing, and Gangsta Granny, the latter of which was turned into a one-hour BBC special in 2013, followed by a sequel starring Sheridan Smith in 2022.

The TV star, real name David Edward Williams, was a judge on Britain’s Got Talent, but left the role in 2022 after he apologised for making “disrespectful comments” about auditioning contestants during filming breaks at the London Palladium in January 2020.

In 2023 Britain’s Got Talent producer Fremantle apologised and reached an “amicable resolution” with Walliams after the remarks he made while on the show were leaked.

Walliams, who appeared on the ITV talent show between 2012 and 2022, was suing the company for misuse of private information and for breaching UK General Data Protection Regulation (UKGDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

The comedian, actor and presenter was made an OBE in 2017 for services to the arts and charity, having raised £2 million for Sport Relief by completing a 140-mile swim down the River Thames.

Earlier in the year it was reported that he had made Nazi salutes while recording BBC panel show Would I Lie To You?.