David Walliams has been removed from the Waterstones Children’s Book Festival following allegations of inappropriate behaviour. The bookshop chain confirmed that the bestselling author will no longer appear at the Dundee event on 7 February, after his publisher HarperCollins cut ties with him.
HarperCollins decided not to publish any new titles by Walliams after an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards young women. According to reports, complaints were made that he had harassed junior female staff at HarperCollins UK, with one woman leaving the company after a settlement involving a five-figure payout.
A spokesperson for Walliams said he had never been informed of any allegations and was not given an opportunity to respond. He strongly denies the claims and is taking legal advice. HarperCollins stated the decision was made after careful consideration under its new CEO.
The allegations follow a separate controversy in which Walliams made two Nazi salutes during a recording of the BBC panel show Would I Lie to You? The BBC apologised at the time, and the segment was not broadcast. A BBC spokesperson said there are no future projects directly involving Walliams, though his festive appearance on the show will still air on Boxing Day.
Two of Walliams’ books, Mr Stink and The Boy in the Dress, were adapted for television and broadcast on CBBC on Sunday.
