Comedian Lucy Beaumont has received an outpouring of support after revealing herself as a whistleblower who voiced concerns about David Walliams. The TV star, 43, became visibly upset as she informed Sky News anchor Cathy Newman that speaking out about the allegations against the Little Britain star could jeopardise her career.
Walliams, 55, denies all allegations of wrongdoing against him, including criminal activity. He says claims he targeted teenage women and used his celebrity status to manipulate them to have sex with him are false. He says he has never engaged in the grooming of young women. He rejects allegations he behaved inappropriately or sexually harassed anyone in the workplace.
Beaumont's allegations and duty of care
In the November 10 interview, Beaumont alleged that a TV worker informed her that he had been repeatedly instructed to escort young women thought to be over 16 years old into Walliams' dressing room. Beaumont herself has never worked with Walliams and did not witness anything directly, reports the Daily Star.
However, she felt a duty of care towards the women because "there is no HR department" in the industry. She claims she attempted to assist one of the women and volunteered to cover legal costs related to a non-disclosure agreement.
The actress disclosed: "She, I believe, had signed an NDA to say she couldn't talk to family or friends or a therapist."
The comedian continued: "I don't think I'll work in telly again, I honestly don't. The reason high-profile people are not saying anything is because they'll lose work, because you're seen as a trouble-causer."
Public support and Walliams' response
Following attempts to help privately, Beaumont subsequently forwarded the details to The Guardian. The interview has rapidly circulated on social media, where Beaumont has received an outpouring of supportive messages.
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, one individual stated: "Lucy Beaumont is a hero. What a kind, compassionate, and brave human." Another person remarked on Beaumont's Instagram profile, noting: "Your interview on Sky was incredible and moving."
A further supporter expressed: "Well done, Lucy. You were so brave," while a fourth individual contributed: "It took a lot of courage to speak out. Good on you, Lucy!"
Another commenter declared: "So much respect for Lucy Beaumont. Remarkable interview and it needed that length for her to get her points across. Change is needed. The time is now."
Walliams has refuted claims of exploiting his celebrity status in relationships with women but acknowledged he had "behaved thoughtlessly". In a statement issued to the Guardian and ITV News, the comedian said: "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... I am not a sexual predator... I have not broken the law... I am devastated that some of the women I met ten to twenty years ago have now expressed hurt or anger towards me."
David Walliams' representatives have been approached for comment.
