Children's author and comedian David Walliams has been removed from the line-up for the Waterstones Children's Book Festival, marking another significant career setback following his recent departure from publisher HarperCollins.
A Four-Word Admission of Fear
It has now emerged that the 54-year-old Little Britain star privately expressed concern about his private communications months before these professional blows. During a cybersecurity event in Trafford, Manchester, in February, Walliams made a telling four-word admission: "it does worry me."
According to a leaked recording reported by the Daily Mail, Walliams told the audience he frequently exchanges "very bad taste jokes" with other high-profile comedians and friends via WhatsApp. He pondered publicly what would happen if all his messages were exposed, noting the "poor taste" of the content shared.
Allegations and Immediate Consequences
These concerns surfaced just months before HarperCollins decided to sever ties with the bestselling author after allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards female staff. It is claimed that one woman left the company with a five-figure settlement after raising concerns. Walliams was not informed of the allegations at the time and has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
His spokesperson stated last Friday: "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."
Career in Jeopardy
The fallout has been swift and severe. Following the publisher's decision, Waterstones has now also distanced itself, confirming Walliams will not appear at its Children's Book Festival in Dundee, Scotland, next February. This represents a major blow for the writer, whose books have sold more than 60 million copies worldwide.
Walliams, a judge on Britain's Got Talent between 2012 and 2022, found huge success as a children's author after his television career with shows like Little Britain and Come Fly With Me. The recent events cast a shadow over his professional future as he faces these serious allegations and their escalating repercussions.
