David Walliams has made a rare return to social media, breaking his online silence to celebrate a friend's birthday. This move comes in the wake of his controversial dismissal from his long-time book publisher, HarperCollins, following serious allegations of inappropriate conduct towards employees, which the comedian and children's author strongly denies.
A Quiet Return to Instagram
The 54-year-old television personality, who boasts an impressive following of over two million on Instagram, resurfaced on the platform this Thursday. He shared a heartfelt tribute to his publicist friend, Louisa McCarthy, in his Instagram Stories. The post featured a cheerful photograph of Walliams grinning alongside Louisa at a table, accompanied by the simple caption: 'Happy Birthday Louisa'.
Louisa McCarthy works for ANM PR, an independent agency that represents a diverse portfolio of luxury clients spanning consumer goods, lifestyle brands, and high-end corporations, from innovative startups to established international blue-chip companies. The positive birthday message was also reposted by Louisa to her own Stories, marking a small but notable public appearance for Walliams after months of absence from social media since the beginning of the year.
Fall from Grace and Public Scrutiny
This online activity follows a brief public sighting of Walliams in mid-January, just weeks after the shocking news broke that HarperCollins had severed ties with him. The publisher's decision came after allegations surfaced that Walliams had harassed employees at the firm, claims he vehemently disputes. During that January appearance, Walliams attended a children's event promising 'plenty of Walliams-style mischief', but observers noted he looked decidedly downcast.
Dressed casually in jeans and a dark bomber jacket, he offered only a quiet 'hello' to the Daily Mail and declined to comment when questioned about a potential return to television or his feelings after what has been described as a bruising period. Friends close to the situation revealed to the Daily Mail that 'it hasn't exactly been the easiest times for him recently.' The event itself was billed as 'a joyful storytelling adventure for kids and families,' featuring readings, audience interaction, and the former TV star's trademark mischief.
Allegations and Industry Backlash
The allegations against Walliams have sent shockwaves through the publishing and entertainment industries. Former employees at HarperCollins reported that they were advised to work in pairs when interacting with him and were specifically warned not to visit his home. One woman who raised concerns about the father-of-one allegedly received a five-figure settlement and has since left the company.
In a further blow, The Children's Trust confirmed in December that the Little Britain actor had been dropped as an ambassador for the charity earlier in 2025. The BBC also stated they have 'no future projects' in development with David, although they did not remove his appearance from the Christmas special of Would I Lie To You. This marks a stunning downfall for a man who is one of Britain's most successful children's authors, having sold more than 60 million copies of his books in 55 languages, and a household name on television.
A Pattern of Controversy
Notoriously, Walliams left Britain's Got Talent in November 2022 under a cloud of controversy after audio emerged of him making disparaging remarks about contestants off-camera. Microphones had captured him using vile misogynistic language, describing one female contestant as 'like the slightly boring girl you meet in the pub that thinks you want to f*** them, but you don't'. Although Walliams issued a public apology, he subsequently sued the production company Fremantle for misuse of private information and breaching data laws. The company apologised, and Walliams is believed to have received a settlement of approximately £5 million.
HarperCollins published his first children's book, The Boy in the Dress, in 2008, and several of his other works, including Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, have been adapted into successful television films. When the news of his dismissal broke last month, sources within the showbusiness and television industries expressed relief, with one telling the Daily Mail that Walliams is 'utterly despised' in certain circles.
One industry insider stated: 'Finally, someone has said it. It's no longer a secret that he is just not a very nice person.' For all the efforts of those who tried to protect him, Walliams's behaviour has been described as one of the biggest open secrets in the industry. A former member of staff on Britain's Got Talent told the Daily Mail that Walliams was 'hideously rude' to her during her tenure on the show.
