David Walliams has been dropped by his publisher, HarperCollins UK, following an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards junior female staff, according to reports from the Telegraph. The children's author, 54, strongly denies the claims and has said he was not informed of any allegations or given an opportunity to respond.
The decision to sever ties was made under the leadership of new interim CEO Kate Elton, after former chief executive Charlie Redmayne stepped down in October. A HarperCollins spokesperson confirmed the move, stating that the company would not publish any new titles by Walliams.
One woman who raised concerns is understood to have left the company after a settlement involving a five-figure payout. Internal inquiries reportedly limited contact between Walliams and certain staff, including ensuring meetings were attended in pairs and discouraging visits to his home.
A spokesperson for Walliams said he “strongly denies that he has behaved inappropriately and is taking legal advice”. The author rose to fame with the BBC comedy Little Britain and later became a bestselling children’s author, with over 40 books and an estimated £100 million in sales by 2019.
Walliams previously left his role as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent in 2022 after a leaked transcript showed him making crude remarks about contestants. He apologised for those comments. Critics have also challenged aspects of his writing, including the use of stereotypes.
