A 2004 joke made by Jonathan Ross at the British Comedy Awards about David Walliams and 'drunk 15-year-olds' has resurfaced, carrying uncomfortable connotations in light of recent allegations against the comedian.
Walliams, 55, has faced a media storm this week after ITV and The Guardian published a joint investigation into the former Britain's Got Talent judge. Several women have come forward with allegations of assault and harassment, including one alleged victim, known by the pseudonym Jade, who claims he 'groomed' her from as young as 15.
The Resurfaced Clip
In the 10-second interaction, Ross, who used to be in the same circles as Walliams on the comedy scene, is on stage presenting to the room. Ross sets up the joke by explaining that the comedy awards are 15 years old.
He goes on to say: 'And like most 15-year-olds, it's drunk, it's unpredictable, and it's probably going home with David Walliams.' The camera then pans to Walliams, sitting next to Little Britain collaborator Matt Lucas, who reacts with a burst of laughter.
Allegations Against Walliams
Jade told the media that Walliams allegedly kissed her in a Soho alleyway when he was 36 and she was 15. She further alleged that she entered Walliams' home where he 'lifted my top up and sucked on my breast and tried to put my hand down his trousers.'
She continued: 'And that's when I pulled away and said no,' adding that Walliams 'had an erection at the time.' It is claimed Walliams first met Jade in the mid-2000s and after the alleged encounter, she says the pair did not meet again. Elsewhere, The Guardian claimed Walliams used to let young fans into his dressing room. Walliams has denied all the allegations against him.
Other Resurfaced Clips
This is not the first shocking broadcast clip to leave a sour taste following the nature of the allegations. Also in 2004, Walliams appeared on the pilot episode of Channel 4's Russell Brand Show. The titular comedian himself has just been sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison for one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
In the uncomfortable interaction, Lucas, who appeared on the show alongside Walliams, joked that Walliams and Brand are 'two of the gayest straight blokes' he knows. Walliams then quipped: 'Isn't it a wonderful smokescreen?' to which Brand responded: 'Isn't it, though? Isn't it glorious? It works wonderfully well.'
In his statement denying the allegations against him, Walliams, who has also been dropped by his publishers, HarperCollins, said: '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.'
