David Walliams joked on BBC Radio 1 that he was not “some sort of rabid animal” a day after a woman alleges he suggested they meet for sex when she was a teenager. The remark, made during an interview with presenter Scott Mills, has been highlighted by a joint investigation from The Guardian and ITV News.
The investigation reports accusations that the comedian, author and former Britain’s Got Talent judge used his celebrity status to groom and prey on teenage girls and young women. Walliams, 55, has denied the allegations, including any criminal behaviour.
Allegations from a woman called 'Alex'
The report centres partly on allegations from a woman referred to as “Alex”. She claims she first met Walliams at a fan event when she was 15 and aspiring to be a comedy writer. According to the investigation, Walliams later phoned her, and notes from the time suggest he knew she was “15 or 16” and still at school.
By October 2005, when Alex was 17, she alleges their communication escalated. After an email exchange, they spoke on the phone that evening and Walliams suggested they meet for sex, the Guardian reported.
Radio interview and denial
Walliams reportedly appeared on BBC Radio 1 the following day, when presenter Scott Mills raised his reputation as a womaniser. Mills asked whether Walliams’ friends worried about introducing their girlfriends to him. Walliams replied: “What, I’m some sort of rabid animal?” He then added: “No, I’m a gentleman, but no, I just, I love the company of women, you see.”
Walliams has denied the allegations. In a statement, he acknowledged that “at times I behaved thoughtlessly towards other people I had casual sexual relationships with”. The investigation also reports that Walliams previously attempted to secure a High Court injunction to block publication, but lost the legal bid.
