David Walliams Accused of Sexual Misconduct and Grooming Minors

British author and comedian David Walliams faces multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and grooming following a joint investigation published by The Guardian and ITV News. A High Court judge in London recently rejected an application by the 55-year-old performer to prevent media outlets from identifying him. The BBC subsequently announced a review of all programming associated with Walliams across its broadcast and digital platforms.

The investigative report details accounts from several women regarding interactions with Walliams dating back up to two decades. One woman, identified as Jade, stated that Walliams invited her to his residence in 2007 when her social media profile indicated she was 15 years old. A second accuser, identified as Alex, alleged that Walliams initiated contact when she was an aspiring 15-year-old comedy writer before sexual contact occurred when she reached age 17.

Walliams denied targeting teenagers or engaging in unlawful conduct through statements issued by his legal team. In a written response to journalists, he acknowledged behaving thoughtlessly in past relationships while maintaining that he had not broken any laws or acted as a sexual predator. His legal representatives informed the High Court that Walliams was admitted to a hospital for psychiatric care last month after making attempts on his own life following notification of the reporting.

The judge's summary from the High Court noted that some of the actions described in the allegations could constitute criminal offences if proven under British law. In the United Kingdom, intentional communication by an adult with a child under 16 for a sexual purpose is illegal. Lawyers representing Walliams stated regarding one claim that he believed the individual involved was 18 years of age at the time.

The broadcaster BBC confirmed it had begun removing select titles and initiated a comprehensive audit of all material featuring or written by Walliams. Publisher HarperCollins previously severed ties with the author last year following separate allegations of harassment against female colleagues, which Walliams denied. Walliams had also stepped down from his role as a judge on ITV's talent competition program in 2022 after apologizing for derogatory remarks made about contestants.

Walliams rose to prominence in the early 2000s as co-creator and star of the television sketch show Little Britain. He subsequently published more than 40 children's books, including titles such as Mr. Stink and Gangsta Granny, which have sold an estimated 50 million copies worldwide. The BBC review of his television and literary catalog remains ongoing.

Written by Thorben Thiede thorben.thiede@alpineweekly.com