David Walliams named as celebrity who tried to block publication of sexual misconduct allegations
The media say more than 100 people were interviewed in a three-year investigation that led to allegations of grooming and sexual assault.
- On Tuesday, ITV News and The Guardian published a three-year joint investigation naming comedian David Walliams and detailing allegations he groomed and sexually exploited girls as young as 15, ending his anonymity after the High Court rejected his injunction bid.
- Walliams had sought a High Court injunction to block publication, arguing the allegations would be fatal due to prior suicide attempts. Justice Matthew Nicklin dismissed the bid on November 3, ruling the injunction would be an "exceptionally serious interference" with freedom of expression.
- Reporters interviewed more than 100 people, including more than 30 sources with first-hand accounts spanning allegations from 2003 onward. Walliams denied all claims, stating "I am not a sexual predator," though he acknowledged behaving "thoughtlessly" toward some individuals.
- HarperCollins dropped Walliams in December 2025 after internal investigations into harassment of junior staff. Theme park Alton Towers also permanently closed its World Of David Walliams attraction earlier this month, reflecting broader commercial fallout.
- The court ruled hospitals and staff caring for Walliams, detained under the Mental Health Act in October, "can provide significant protection," materially reducing suicide risk. Walliams did not appeal by Monday's deadline, allowing media to lift reporting restrictions and publish today.
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188 Articles
Joint Guardian and ITV News investigation alleges comedian used celebrity status to pursue teenagers and young women
My Mother Lode
British children’s author David Walliams accused of sexual misconduct
LONDON (AP) — British children’s author and comedian David Walliams used his fame to groom girls and young women for sex, two British news outlets reported on Tuesday. ITV News and the Guardian newspaper said they spoke with multiple women who accused Walliams of preying on them. One woman said he sexually assaulted her when...
David Walliams unmasked as mystery British celebrity facing sexual misconduct allegations, who took media organizations to court to stop his identity from being revealed
British comedian and children's author David Walliams has been identified as the celebrity who fought a lengthy legal battle to prevent two major media
The legal team of the famous writer and creator of ‘Little Britain’ called on British justice to block the publication of the scandal over the risk of his suicide
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