David Walliams named as celebrity who tried to block publication of sexual misconduct allegations
The judge said blocking publication would seriously interfere with free expression after lawyers said 100-plus sources backed the reporting.
- 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.
267 Articles
267 Articles
David Walliams Speaks Out After He’s Named Anonymous U.K. Star Accused of Sexual Misconduct
Comedian David Walliams is breaking his silence after the Guardian revealed he was the anonymous celebrity at the center of a sexual misconduct investigation. The author and former “Britain’s Got Talent” judge has denied any wrongdoing. He told the BBC in a statement, “Looking back, I realize that at times I behaved thoughtlessly towards other people I had casual sexual relationships with. “I realize I did not always take people’s feelings prope…
David Walliams has tried to stop media coverage of allegations against him.
David Walliams, U.K. comedian and author, accused of preying on teenage girls
British comedian and author David Walliams has been accused by multiple women of using his celebrity status to prey on them at a young age, often for sex, according to a three-year investigation by the Guardian and ITV News. Walliams has denied the allegations.
British celebrity David Walliams accused of sexual misconduct after losing legal battle to block reporting of claims
By Issy Ronald, CNN (CNN) — British comedian and children’s author David Walliams has been named by two British news outlets as the anonymous celebrity who tried to stop media outlets publishing claims against him related to alleged grooming and sexual misconduct against some of his young fans.Walliams, who is one of the UK’s most
UK children's author Walliams named as subject of sexual allegations by media
LONDON, Nov 10 - 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 his own life if they were revealed. Read more at straitstimes.com.
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