David Walliams named as celebrity who tried to block publication of sexual misconduct allegations
The judge said publication was in the public interest after reporters spoke to more than 100 people and gathered first-hand accounts.
- 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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StvDavid Walliams accused of preying on teenage girls as young as 15
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UK children’s author Walliams named as subject of sexual allegations by media
LONDON, Nov 10 (Reuters) - Two media groups named British comedian and bestselling children's author David Walliams on Tuesday as the high-profile figure who had tried to prevent allegations of sexual misconduct being published by saying he would take ...
ITV News and The Guardian contacted more than 100 people during their three-year investigation. Walliams denies the allegations.
Several women blame the youth author, among the best-selling overseas, for using his celebrity to get sex when they were young or even underage.
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