The BBC has sparked significant public anger by choosing to broadcast a Christmas special of the popular panel show 'Would I Lie To You?' featuring comedian David Walliams. This decision comes in the wake of serious allegations of inappropriate behaviour made against the children's author, as well as a separate controversy involving a Nazi salute during the show's filming.
Allegations and Broadcast Controversy
The 54-year-old performer was dropped by his publisher, HarperCollins, following accusations of harassing junior female staff members. Walliams has firmly denied any wrongdoing, stating he was never informed of the allegations or included in any investigation, and is currently seeking legal counsel. Despite mounting pressure from the public to remove him from its schedules, the BBC proceeded to air the festive episode on Boxing Day.
The broadcaster had stated last week it would not alter its planned schedule, confirming it has 'no future projects' directly involving Walliams. This stance was maintained even after the airing of two TV adaptations of Walliams's books, 'Mr Stink' and 'The Boy in The Dress', on CBBC earlier in the week. It is understood the corporation also has no plans to remove any existing content featuring Walliams from its streaming service, iPlayer.
The Nazi Salute Incident and Panelist Shock
Further fuelling the controversy was an incident during the filming of the special last June at Pinewood Studios. Walliams was seen twice making a Nazi salute as part of a joke, which related to a story told by fellow guest Helen George about injuring her wrist while waving. The BBC later apologised, calling the gesture 'completely unacceptable'. Reports suggest his fellow panelists, including team captains David Mitchell and Lee Mack, were shocked by the incident.
The episode featured Walliams as a guest alongside Call The Midwife actress Helen George, BBC radio DJ Swarzy Shire, and musician Jools Holland, with host Rob Brydon.
Viewer Backlash on Social Media
Audience reaction on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) was swift and critical. Many viewers expressed disbelief and disappointment at the BBC's decision to air the episode.
One viewer commented: 'Oh, I see they are actually airing the Would I Lie To You where the abysmal David Walliams did those salutes.' Another added: 'Surprised this is airing. I can't believe they're actually airing the David Walliams episode.'
Others noted the lack of context provided by the BBC, with one person writing: 'Thought the continuity announcer would mention that it was filmed before his recent allegations, but nope.' Sentiment also turned against Walliams's on-screen demeanour, with a viewer stating: 'Didn't like David Walliams as it is, but seeing him on #Wilty as cocky as ever, eurgh just cannot stand him!'
A BBC spokesperson reiterated the corporation's position: 'While we're not making any changes to the festive schedules, we have no future projects directly involving David Walliams.'
The decision by HarperCollins to sever ties followed an internal investigation and a change in leadership, with new CEO Kate Elton taking over from Charlie Redmayne. A spokesman for the publisher stated they take employee wellbeing 'extremely seriously' but do not comment on internal matters.
