David Walliams has been dropped by his publisher, HarperCollins UK, after an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards young women, according to The Telegraph. The children's author, 54, is accused of harassing junior female staff at the publisher, prompting the decision not to release any new titles by him.
HarperCollins reportedly conducted an internal inquiry after a junior employee made a complaint in 2023. Sources cited by The Telegraph said that, following the inquiry, steps were taken to limit contact between Walliams and some employees, including ensuring some staff did not work directly with him and advising them to attend meetings in pairs. One woman who raised concerns is understood to have left the company after reaching a settlement that included a five-figure payout.
In a statement to The Guardian, a HarperCollins spokesperson said: “After careful consideration, and under the leadership of its new CEO, HarperCollins UK has decided not to publish any new titles by David Walliams.” The decision came after former chief executive Charlie Redmayne stepped down in October and was replaced on an interim basis by Kate Elton.
Walliams has “strongly” denied the allegations. A spokesperson for the author said: “David has never been informed of any allegations raised against him by HarperCollins. He was not party to any investigation or given any opportunity to answer questions. David strongly denies that he has behaved inappropriately and is taking legal advice.”
Walliams rose to fame as co-creator and star of BBC’s Little Britain and later as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent. He has authored more than 40 books, selling an estimated £100m worth, but has faced criticism in recent years over stereotypes in his writing and crude remarks about contestants on Britain’s Got Talent, for which he apologised.
