Comedian and children's author David Walliams has been embroiled in controversy after a leaked recording revealed his fears about private messages emerging, shortly before his publisher severed ties with him.
Fears of a Digital Leak
In a recording from a cybersecurity event in February this year, the Little Britain creator confessed to a crowd in Manchester that he was worried about his private WhatsApp conversations becoming public. "Imagine if all my WhatsApp messages came out… there's bad taste jokes with friends, other comedians. Very bad taste comments and jokes all the time," he is reported to have said.
Walliams, 54, admitted he frequently shares "very bad taste jokes" with other high-profile celebrities and friends, expressing concern that the nature of these private exchanges could be exposed. "You may notice the kind of things you share with each other are often in quite poor taste and I can't imagine it isn't just me, right?" he added during the event at Old Trafford.
The Publisher's Decision and Allegations
These concerns surfaced just months before HarperCollins, his long-time publisher, dropped him following allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards female staff. The publisher's investigation is said to have included claims of harassment, with one woman reportedly leaving the company with a five-figure settlement after raising concerns.
A spokesperson for Walliams stated that he was not informed of the allegations at the time, was not party to any investigation, and strongly denies any wrongdoing. He is reportedly taking legal advice.
Widespread Professional Fallout
The repercussions for the star have extended far beyond his publishing deal. The BBC confirmed it has severed ties with Walliams, stating there are "no future projects directly involving him," though adaptations of his books aired recently.
Furthermore, The Children's Trust, a leading charity for children with brain injuries, confirmed that after a review of its ambassador programme earlier this year, Walliams is no longer an ambassador. The charity had appointed him in January 2018.
Bookseller Waterstones also confirmed his removal from its annual children's festival in Dundee this February, stating HarperCollins had informed them he would no longer be appearing.
David Walliams was appointed an OBE for services to charity and the arts in 2007, but the recent allegations and subsequent professional distancing mark a significant shift in his public standing.
