Britain's Got Talent producer Fremantle UK has urged anyone who feels they have been the subject of wrongdoing to come forward, following the release of a documentary about former judge David Walliams.
The joint investigation by the Guardian and ITV News, now published online, features several women alleging Walliams preyed on them for sexual purposes. Walliams, 55, who served as a judge on the ITV talent show from 2012 until 2022, strongly denies the allegations.
Fremantle's Response
A spokesperson for Fremantle UK, which makes Britain's Got Talent, said: "We are disturbed and concerned at these serious allegations. David Walliams has not been a judge on Britain's Got Talent for more than four years."
The spokesperson added: "During his time on the show and in the intervening period, no complaint was ever made regarding his behaviour to Fremantle UK. If anyone feels they have been the subject of any impropriety or wrongdoing by anyone on any Fremantle or associated labels' productions, we encourage them to come forward."
"We will treat any complaints seriously. Protecting the welfare of our employees, freelancers, contributors and fans has always been and absolutely remains paramount for the company."
Allegations in the Investigation
In the investigation, a woman identified as Alex claims Walliams first contacted her when she was 15, after meeting her at a Little Britain fan event, and alleges they began a sexual relationship when she was 17. Asked how she feels about him now, she said: "I think I was groomed. 100%."
Alex says she sent him recent pictures of herself when she was 17, and alleges he asked for more photos, replying: "You in the bath is a nice thought." She said: "He was asking for photos and at first I would send photos of my face and then it was photos of my underwear and then he would put a lot of pressure on me, telling me how to pose and then I would actually be naked."
Another accuser, named as Jade, alleges she was sexually assaulted by Walliams when she was 15. She claims he contacted her online via MySpace, where her age was visible, and after exchanging emails they met in a cafe in London before the comedian drove her to his home.
Jade claims: "He lifted my top up and sucked on my breast and then tried to put my hand down his trousers. That's when I pulled away and said 'no'. I wasn't ready for sex. I didn't want to do that, with him or with anyone. I didn't want to be touched in that way at all. I mean, I was only a 15-year-old."
Walliams was 36 at the time. Jade said the experience has stayed with her for the last 19 years, adding: "It's a sexual assault. It's grooming. It's completely wrong in every way." Walliams strongly denies he had any sexual contact with Jade, rejects any allegations of criminal activity, and says he has never engaged in the grooming of young women.
Background and Police Statement
Walliams left Britain's Got Talent in 2022 after apologising for making "disrespectful comments" about auditioning contestants during filming breaks in January 2020 at the London Palladium. In 2023, Fremantle apologised and reached an "amicable resolution" with Walliams after the remarks were leaked.
The documentary, David Walliams: Power and Silence, is available to watch on YouTube and ITVX.
The Metropolitan Police said: "We're aware of reports in the media in relation to allegations involving a man in his 50s. The Met has not received any related reports of sexual assault or any other offences. Should we receive any reports, they will be carefully assessed. Anyone who contacts the police will be supported by specialist officers."
The police added: "Last week, we contacted the media organisations that were involved in civil proceedings relating to the protection of the identity of that individual, to ensure that any potential victims who they have spoken to could be made aware of how they could report any criminal allegations to police. Reports can be made by calling 101, providing the reference 4900/10NOV26."
