David Walliams named as celebrity who tried to block publication of sexual misconduct allegations
The ruling lifts anonymity after judges found the reporting ban would be an exceptionally serious interference with freedom of expression, the court said.
- 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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221 Articles
UK children's author David Walliams accused of grooming teens
The claims, published by The Guardian newspaper and ITV news channel, came after a joint investigation about allegations by multiple women dating as far back as 2003. Walliams, who lost a High Court battle against being identified in the UK media and did not appeal, denied targeting teenagers and using his fame to manipulate them to have sex, his lawyers told media. His lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AFP. The …
British comedian and writer David Wallams are accused of harassment in the workplace and sexual abuse of minors, and he denies these accusations. The Guardian newspaper and ITV published an investigation into the British comedian David Wallams, accusing him of sexual harassment. Previously, the actor ' s lawyers tried to prohibit publication because of the threat of suicide of their client. The High Court of England and Wales rejected the r…
Several women make serious accusations against British comedian and children's book author David Walliams. The "Little Britain" star denies the allegations that he wanted to prevent from being published in court.
Joint Guardian and ITV News investigation alleges comedian used celebrity status to pursue teenagers and young women
British comedian and children’s author David Walliams accused of sexual misconduct – WTOP News
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 their joint investigation featured interviews with multiple women who gave first-hand accounts of Walliams’ conduct. One woman alleged he sexually...
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