David Walliams has been dropped by his literary agency, had BBC programmes removed and was suspended by the Labour Party after sexual misconduct allegations against him were published. The 55-year-old had brought legal action against Independent Television News (ITN) and Guardian News and Media (GNM), publisher of The Guardian, ahead of the two organisations reporting allegations against him, including of sexual misconduct and potential criminal activity.
Walliams denied the claims and unsuccessfully sought an injunction to prevent publication because of the risk he would take his own life, after two previous suicide attempts. He was granted anonymity during the proceedings, which was lifted after his injunction bid was dismissed and GNM and ITN published their investigations on Tuesday.
Literary agency and BBC actions
An Independent Talent Group (ITG) spokesperson said: "ITG is deeply disturbed by the allegations concerning David Walliams. Our thoughts are with anyone who has been affected. We are no longer representing him in any capacity."
The BBC has removed some programmes, including Little Britain, while it carries out a review of "all material featuring and written by David Walliams on our platforms", a spokesperson said. "These are serious allegations," said the spokeswoman. "As such, the BBC is looking carefully at all material featuring and written by David Walliams on our platforms. We are in the process of removing some programmes, including Little Britain, whilst this review is underway."
Labour suspension and Fremantle response
Labour has also suspended Walliams as a party member, it is understood, after he was named as the celebrity accused of sexual misconduct against multiple women.
Britain's Got Talent production firm Fremantle UK says the company is "disturbed and concerned" by the allegations made against former judge David Walliams. Fremantle UK says "during his time on the show and in the intervening period, no complaint was ever made regarding his behaviour to Fremantle UK", adding he hasn't been a judge on the show for "more than four years".
"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," a spokesperson says. "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," it adds.
