In a significant move within the UK publishing industry, comedian and best-selling children's author David Walliams has been dropped by his long-time publisher, HarperCollins UK. The decision, confirmed on Friday 19 December 2025, follows internal scrutiny over allegations concerning the author's conduct.
Publisher's Decision and Internal Investigation
HarperCollins UK issued a statement to the BBC confirming it would not publish any new titles by Walliams. The publisher stated this choice was made after careful consideration and under new leadership. The move is a direct response to allegations, first reported by The Telegraph, regarding Walliams' alleged inappropriate behaviour towards young women.
An internal investigation was reportedly launched after a complaint from a junior colleague. According to sources, former employees had advised others against meeting Walliams alone or visiting his home. While emphasising its commitment to employee wellbeing and robust processes for addressing concerns, HarperCollins UK declined to elaborate on specific internal matters.
Walliams' Response and Career Impact
On Friday evening, a spokesperson for David Walliams stated that the author "strongly denies" all allegations of inappropriate behaviour. The spokesperson further clarified that Walliams was not informed about, nor was he a party to, any investigation conducted by HarperCollins.
The decision marks a dramatic turn for one of Britain's most commercially successful children's authors. David Walliams has sold an estimated 60 million books worldwide, making him a cornerstone of HarperCollins' children's division for years. The loss of future titles represents a major shift in the publisher's catalogue and a profound professional repercussion for the author.
Broader Implications for the Publishing Industry
This case highlights the ongoing focus within creative industries on accountability and workplace culture. HarperCollins' decisive action, citing new leadership and employee welfare, signals a potential hardening of stance by publishers when faced with serious conduct allegations against high-profile authors.
The fallout leaves a considerable gap in the market for children's fiction and raises questions about the future of Walliams' extensive backlist with the publisher. It also serves as a stark reminder of how allegations and internal investigations can lead to significant commercial and reputational consequences, even for figures with immense public popularity and sales records.
