The High Price of Cancel Culture: How Celebrities Are Losing Millions
Exclusive analysis has uncovered the staggering financial impact of cancel culture on prominent British celebrities, with some facing losses of up to £16 million. The phenomenon has created a climate where stars are reportedly purchasing insurance to protect against reputational and financial ruin.
David Walliams: From £3.7 Million to Six Figures
Comedian and author David Walliams has experienced one of the most dramatic financial declines among affected celebrities. Court documents reveal his annual earnings plummeted from £3.7 million in 2022 to just £101,800 between January and May 2023 following the leak of offensive remarks he allegedly made about Britain's Got Talent contestants.
The situation worsened when Harper Collins terminated their 17-year publishing partnership with Walliams in December 2025 after allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards young women, which he vehemently denies. This decision followed sales of his books dropping 30% in the final two weeks of last year, resulting in approximately £40,000 in lost revenue during the crucial Christmas period.
Despite these setbacks, Walliams retains considerable wealth with an estimated £17 million fortune accumulated from television comedy and children's book sales exceeding 60 million copies worldwide. His production company, King Bert Productions Limited, saw its value increase to £1.8 million in 2024 from £1.13 million the previous year.
Phillip Schofield's Dramatic Income Collapse
Former television presenter Phillip Schofield has witnessed a remarkable financial decline since leaving ITV in June 2023. His departure from This Morning and Dancing on Ice cost him an estimated £1.4 million annually in lost earnings.
Company accounts reveal the stark reality of his current financial situation. Fistral Productions Limited, which he runs with his wife Stephanie, paid just £3,947 in corporation tax in 2024, suggesting profits of little over £20,000. This represents a dramatic fall from 2020 when the company paid £150,000 in corporation tax, indicating profits around £750,000 at the height of his television fame.
Noel Clarke Faces Financial Ruin
Actor and filmmaker Noel Clarke confronts the most severe financial consequences, with his fall from grace potentially costing up to £16 million. This comprises £10 million in lost earnings since allegations of sexually inappropriate behaviour emerged in April 2021, plus legal costs approaching £6 million after losing his libel case against The Guardian newspaper.
Clarke recently declared bankruptcy, with his company Astonishing Entertainment Limited reporting being £7,236 in the red in March 2025. This contrasts sharply with assets of £516,000 in March 2021, just before the allegations surfaced.
Other Celebrities Feeling the Financial Pinch
The financial impact extends across multiple entertainment sectors:
Gregg Wallace lost his £400,000 annual MasterChef presenting role with the BBC. His main business Lobster Enterprises Limited saw reserves drop from £33,000 to £24,700, while his fitness business reserves decreased by £10,000 to £98,000.
Gino D'Acampo has experienced significant business challenges, with his firm Upmarket Leisure entering administration owing almost £7 million, including £4.186 million to HMRC. His management consultancy company MeMs Agency saw its value reduced by 25% from £408,000 to £300,000.
Wynne Evans reportedly lost his lucrative Go Compare commercial work worth at least £200,000 annually following controversy over inappropriate remarks. His company Wynne Evans Ltd showed cash and assets decreasing from £761,798 to £734,830.
John Torode departed MasterChef amid allegations of using offensive language, losing his BBC salary estimated at £400,000 annually. His television company Caspar 10 reported reserves of £47,351 last year, up from £7,219 in 2024.
The Broader Implications for the Entertainment Industry
This analysis of publicly available company accounts reveals a pattern of significant financial decline among celebrities who have left the public eye due to various controversies. The phenomenon has become so pronounced that industry sources indicate some stars are now purchasing insurance policies specifically designed to protect against financial and reputational damage resulting from cancel culture.
The financial losses extend beyond direct earnings to include cancelled television deals, terminated publishing contracts, and substantial legal expenses. As these cases demonstrate, the financial consequences of public controversies can be severe and long-lasting, even for established celebrities with previously successful careers.
