David Walliams has been dropped by his publisher, HarperCollins UK, following an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards young women, according to reports. The children's author, one of Britain's most successful, was reportedly accused of harassing junior female staff, prompting the publisher to decide it would no longer release new titles by him.
One woman who raised concerns is understood to have left the company after reaching a settlement that included a five-figure payout. HarperCollins, owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation, reportedly conducted an internal inquiry after a junior employee made a complaint in 2023. Sources cited by the Telegraph said that after the inquiry, steps were taken to limit contact between Walliams and some employees, including ensuring staff did not work directly with him, advising them to attend meetings in pairs, and discouraging visits to his home.
The decision to sever ties came after HarperCollins' former chief executive, Charlie Redmayne, suddenly stepped down in October and was replaced on an interim basis by Kate Elton. 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.'
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. Since 2008, he has authored more than 40 children's books, with estimated sales of £100m by 2019. However, he 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.
