David Walliams' social media inactivity is drawing scrutiny after he was named as the celebrity who lost a high court challenge against two media organisations this week. The comedian, 55, disputes the allegations, which include claims that he used "abuse of power and status" to contact young women for "inappropriate and exploitative sexual activities."
Instagram Silence Since March
Walliams has not posted on Instagram since March, when he shared a "Happy Mother's Day" message with a picture of himself, his mother, and Little Britain co-star Matt Lucas. Fans noticed his absence, with some commenting on older posts as far back as December expressing concern.
One commenter wrote: "You haven't posted in so long. I hope you're ok." Another hinted at the situation, saying: "That’s a super injunction. Sorry, autocorrect, I meant super photo." A third noted: "You’re trending on Twitter again btw. We ALL know why."
Allegations and Fallout
The allegations emerged after Walliams failed to obtain an injunction preventing the Guardian and ITV News from reporting on them. It is alleged he abused his power for sexual purposes with teenagers as young as 15 at the height of his fame. He has been dropped by his literary agency, and the BBC is "in the process of removing" programmes including Little Britain.
The Metropolitan Police are reportedly taking steps to ensure potential victims come forward. In a statement to the Guardian and ITV News, Walliams 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."
He added: "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."
