The company behind Britain's Got Talent has urged anyone who believes they have been the subject of wrongdoing to come forward, following the release of a documentary about former judge David Walliams.
A spokesperson for Fremantle UK, which produces the ITV competition series, said no complaint was made about Walliams' behaviour during his time on the show, but encouraged anyone with concerns to speak out.
Fremantle UK statement on Walliams allegations
Speaking to Hollywood news outlet Deadline, the spokesperson said: "We are disturbed and concerned at these serious allegations. David Walliams has not been a judge on Britain's Got Talent for more than four years.
"During his time on the show and in the intervening period, no complaint was ever made regarding his behaviour to Fremantle UK. If anyone feels they have been the subject of any impropriety or wrongdoing by anyone on any Fremantle or associated labels' productions, we encourage them to come forward."
The spokesperson added: "We will treat any complaints seriously. Protecting the welfare of our employees, freelancers, contributors and fans has always been and absolutely remains paramount for the company."
Investigation and documentary details
A three-year joint investigation by ITV News and The Guardian has uncovered multiple allegations of sexual misconduct involving the comedian and author, spanning more than two decades. Walliams denies any wrongdoing.
ITV has released a documentary, David Walliams: Power & Silence, which aired at 10.50pm and is available to watch on YouTube and ITVX. The hour-long film details several allegations, including one from a woman who described an encounter with the comedian when she was 15 as "sexual assault".
Several other women have accused Walliams of "grooming" them when they were teenagers, according to the investigation. One woman alleged that Walliams began contacting her when she was 15, after meeting him at a Little Britain fan event, before beginning a sexual relationship with her when she was 17, ITV News reported.
Police response and Walliams' denial
The Metropolitan Police said it was "aware" of media reports "in relation to allegations involving a man in his 50s". A spokesperson told Sky News: "The Met has not received any related reports of sexual assault or any other offences. Should we receive any reports, they will be carefully assessed. Anyone who contacts the police will be supported by specialist officers."
The force added that it had contacted media organisations involved in civil proceedings relating to the protection of the identity of that individual, to ensure potential victims could be made aware of how to report criminal allegations.
Walliams has admitted behaving "thoughtlessly" but insisted he was not a "sexual predator" and that he had not broken the law. In a letter understood to have been sent several months ago to journalists working on the ITV News and Guardian investigations, he wrote: "Looking back, I realise that at times I behaved thoughtlessly towards other people I had casual sexual relationships with.
"I realise I did not always take people's feelings properly into account. That is something I regret. And whilst a power imbalance is inevitable when one party is famous, abusing that power is something else entirely and it is something that I never did."
He added: "I am not a sexual predator. I have not broken the law, but I am devastated that some of the women I met 10 to 20 years ago have now expressed hurt or anger towards me."
Walliams has yet to respond following the publication of his name on Tuesday.
