Sky News has apologised after one of its reporters swore live on air while covering allegations of inappropriate behaviour made against author David Walliams. Arts and Entertainment Correspondent Katie Spencer was reporting on HarperCollins' decision to drop Walliams when she stumbled over her words and uttered an expletive.
During the broadcast on 20 December, Spencer was discussing Walliams' publishing history with HarperCollins, which began with The Boy In The Dress in 2008. As she tried to continue, she faltered and said: "More than fourteen... oh f*** it, I'm going to start again." She then pleaded with editors not to air the footage, but the blunder was broadcast live.
News anchor Kamali Melbourne quickly apologised to viewers, saying: "Apologies if you heard any bad language there." He added that he would "check that out" and later asked sports presenter Jacquie Beltrao to avoid any swearing, to which she replied: "No bad language from me." Viewers were largely sympathetic, with some praising Spencer for having a "human moment".
The incident came after HarperCollins announced on 19 December that it would not publish any new titles by Walliams, following allegations that he had "harassed" junior female employees. A spokesperson for the publisher 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."
A spokesperson for Walliams denied the allegations, stating: "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." The claims follow Walliams' departure from Britain's Got Talent in 2020 after remarks he made about contestants were leaked, which he later apologised for and successfully sued the show's creators over.
