Comedian and children's author David Walliams has been dropped by his long-time publisher, HarperCollins, over allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards female staff members. The decision comes after an internal investigation in 2023, which reportedly led to a five-figure settlement for one employee. Walliams, 54, has strongly denied the allegations and is currently on a luxury holiday in the Maldives with his 12-year-old son, Alfred.
The Allegations and Publisher's Decision
Claims of inappropriate behaviour by Walliams towards employees at HarperCollins first surfaced in 2023, prompting a major internal investigation. According to reports, one junior staff member received a five-figure settlement and subsequently left the company. Other employees were reportedly advised to work in pairs when meeting with Walliams and were told not to travel to his home.
HarperCollins confirmed the decision to cease publishing new titles by Walliams, stating it was made under the leadership of its new CEO, Kate Elton, who replaced former UK CEO Charlie Redmayne in October. A spokesperson for the publisher said, "HarperCollins takes employee wellbeing extremely seriously and has processes in place for reporting and investigating concerns."
A spokesperson for Walliams countered, stating the comedian was never informed of any allegations or given an opportunity to answer questions, and that he strongly denies behaving inappropriately and is seeking legal advice.
Luxury Escape Amidst the Storm
Despite the controversy, Walliams is currently enjoying a pre-Christmas break at the exclusive Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa resort. In a series of Instagram posts that appear to be sponsored, he is seen scuba diving with turtles, swimming, and enjoying afternoon tea. The posts are tagged with the resort, which has reshared them, and include captions such as 'a dream' and 'floating in heaven'.
Villas at the resort for this week can cost up to $6,105 (approximately £4,563) per night. This getaway stands in stark contrast to the serious allegations being published in the UK.
A Career Under Scrutiny
Walliams, one of the UK's most successful children's authors, began writing in 2008. HarperCollins published his first book, The Boy in the Dress, and his works, including Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, have sold over 60 million copies worldwide. At their peak, his books were reported to make up more than 40% of the revenue for HarperCollins' children's department.
However, his public standing has been marred by a series of scandals. He left Britain's Got Talent in 2022 after a leaked transcript revealed he made derogatory and sexual comments about female contestants during auditions. He later settled a lawsuit with production company Fremantle.
Further incidents include reports of him making offensive gestures on BBC's Would I Lie To You? and concerns being raised with ITV about his backstage behaviour. His book sales have reportedly declined by more than 60% this summer.
Walliams co-parents his son Alfred with ex-wife Lara Stone. He is said to be facing Christmas apart from his child following the holiday.
