The David Walliams allegations, investigated in an ITV documentary, signal a turning point for the entertainment industry, according to an opinion piece by Emmanuella Ngimbi. The three-year investigation by The Guardian and ITV News alleges the TV star preyed on girls as young as 15, with claims dating back to 2003. This follows the conviction of Russell Brand for sexual assault, suggesting that mistreatment of women in showbiz can no longer be concealed.
Allegations and Attempts to Silence
The piece argues that these celebrities were not "hiding in plain sight" but were openly displaying inappropriate behaviour on screen and before live audiences, hoping it would be excused as quirky humour during watershed hours. David Walliams allegedly attempted to block the investigation from becoming public, which involved outlets speaking to more than 100 people, including over 30 sources with direct first-hand accounts.
He is also alleged to have forced women to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), reportedly banning them from speaking to a therapist about what happened. While the former Britain's Got Talent judge denies any wrongdoing, the author suggests a veil has been lifted on the world of showbiz.
Resurfaced Footage and Statements
In the fallout, a history of inappropriate behaviour appeared to be an industry secret. At the 2004 British Comedy Awards, Jonathan Ross joked: "And like all 15-year-olds, it's drunk, it's unpredictable, and it's probably going home with David Walliams." The camera showed Walliams laughing at the punchline rather than appearing disgusted.
Jonathan Ross later issued a statement saying he was "horrified" by the allegations and called revisiting the footage "deeply shocking". He explained the line was written by the show's scriptwriting team and that he had assumed it was an exaggeration of Walliams publicly dating younger women. Footage from a 2007 live stage show also resurfaced, showing Walliams performing a game called "hide the sausage" in his Little Britain character.
Calls for Accountability
David Walliams has responded to the claims, stating: "I am not a sexual predator. I have not broken the law," and expressed regret for behaving "thoughtlessly towards other people I had casual sexual relationships with." He added: "I realise I did not always take people's feelings properly into account. That is something I regret."
The piece concludes that it is not enough for celebrities to hide behind apologies after using power to force injunctions. It suggests taking these people off screens for good once a repeated pattern of inappropriate behaviour is identified, and holding television executives accountable for their talent's misdeeds.
