British comedian and children's author David Walliams accused of sexual misconduct
PBS • • entertainment
Key Points:
- British author and comedian David Walliams has been accused by multiple women of grooming and sexual assault, including an allegation of assault when a girl was 15, according to an investigation by ITV News and The Guardian.
- Walliams, 55, denies the allegations, stating he is not a sexual predator and has not broken the law, but acknowledges some women have expressed hurt or anger towards him.
- He sought a court injunction to prevent identification in the reports, citing risks to his mental health, but the request was denied, with the judge recognizing his psychiatric vulnerabilities but not deeming suicide inevitable.
- The investigation involved over 100 interviews and claimed Walliams used his fame to establish inappropriate contact with young women, some of which could constitute criminal offenses if proven.
- Following the reports, HarperCollins, BBC, and Independent Talent Group have distanced themselves from Walliams, removing his works and dropping representation, while the BBC reviews all material featuring him.
