David Walliams has been identified as the famous figure who attempted to secure an injunction preventing the reporting of allegations against him, including claims of sexual misconduct and potential criminal activity. The 55-year-old brought legal action against Independent Television News (ITN) and Guardian News and Media (GNM), publisher of The Guardian, ahead of their reporting on the matter.
High Court injunction bid refused
Lawyers for the media organisations told the High Court in London that the allegations concerned Walliams’ alleged “abuse of power and status” to contact young women and attempt to engage in “inappropriate and exploitative sexual activities”. Walliams denied the claims and sought the injunction, citing the risk he would take his own life following two previous suicide attempts.
During a two-day trial in October, the media organisations’ lawyers said the allegations were gathered after “a wide-ranging and rigorous investigation” and that there was a “strong” public interest in publishing them. Gavin Millar KC stated that reporters had spoken to more than 100 people, including over 30 sources with first-hand accounts, as well as Walliams’ friends and colleagues.
Judge's ruling and background
Walliams’ lawyers said he had attempted suicide after receiving letters from ITN and GNM requesting his response to the allegations, due to “long-term trauma and the fear of trial by media”. Sara Mansoori KC, representing Walliams, said in written submissions that the author “has no intention of returning to public life” and had not “spuriously raised 'mental health' concerns”.
Judge Mr Justice Nicklin refused the injunction, ruling it would be an “exceptionally serious interference” with freedom of expression. In his 52-page judgment, he said granting the injunction would not treat the man’s psychiatric condition or eliminate his elevated risk. He noted that hospitals and health staff caring for Walliams, who was detained under the Mental Health Act in October, meant the state had “assumed responsibility” for his immediate safety, which “materially reduces the likelihood of suicide”.
The former Britain’s Got Talent judge, known for comedy shows such as Come Fly With Me and Little Britain alongside Matt Lucas, has sold more than 60 million copies of his children’s books globally, including The Boy In The Dress, Fing, and Gangsta Granny. His publisher HarperCollins dropped him in December 2025 after an investigation into allegations of harassment, which Walliams denied. Earlier this month, Alton Towers permanently closed its World Of David Walliams attraction.
Walliams left Britain’s Got Talent in 2022 after apologising for making “disrespectful comments” about contestants during filming breaks in January 2020. In 2023, producer Fremantle apologised and reached an “amicable resolution” with Walliams after the remarks were leaked.
