David Walliams is facing grooming and sexual misconduct allegations involving teenage girls and young women. The allegations emerged from a joint investigation by ITV News and The Guardian. The comedian has denied the allegations and challenged their publication in court.
David Walliams faces allegations involving fans as young as 15
According to a joint investigation by ITV News and The Guardian, Walliams allegedly used his celebrity status to pursue young women for sexual purposes. Two women said they first met the comedian when they were 15 and felt they had been groomed.
The reports also allege that Walliams pursued young women through social media and invited them to his home or his Britain’s Got Talent dressing room. He also allegedly pursued female colleagues. One woman claimed that he “constantly pestered her for sex.” The investigation drew on accounts from 30 firsthand sources, supported by records and messages.
ITV News also shared an Instagram post detailing its collaboration with The Guardian for the investigation. The post asked people with relevant information to come forward and contact the outlet.
Walliams has denied all allegations, including claims of grooming, sexual harassment and abuse of his position. However, he acknowledged that he had behaved thoughtlessly in some casual sexual relationships, which he regretted. The former Britain’s Got Talent judge also expressed regret that some women had been hurt or angered by their experiences with him.
The allegations became public after Walliams unsuccessfully sought a High Court injunction to prevent the outlets from publishing their findings. His legal team warned that publication could seriously affect their client’s mental health. However, the court ruled that the allegations involved matters of substantial public interest. Walliams subsequently did not appeal before the deadline.
The allegations follow Walliams’ departure from Britain’s Got Talent. He left the show after recordings emerged of him making derogatory remarks about contestants. His publisher, HarperCollins, also ended its relationship with the comedian following reports of an internal investigation into his alleged inappropriate workplace behavior.
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
