David Walliams has firmly rejected claims of inappropriate conduct, with his representative insisting he had no knowledge of any complaints lodged against him by publisher HarperCollins.
The author’s spokesperson said Mr Walliams was never informed of any allegations and was not made aware that an internal investigation had taken place.
“David Walliams strongly denies allegations of inappropriate behaviour and was not informed about or party to an investigation by publisher HarperCollins,” the spokesperson said.
The 54-year-old comedian and children’s author has strongly denied the claims and is understood to be taking legal advice.
A spokesperson for David Walliams said was never informed of any allegations
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PAThe denial follows HarperCollins UK’s confirmation that it will no longer publish new titles by the Little Britain star.
The publisher said the decision was taken after “careful consideration” under its new leadership.
A HarperCollins spokesperson said: “‘After careful consideration, and under the leadership of its new CEO, HarperCollins UK has decided not to publish any new titles by David Walliams.”
The company declined to comment further, citing confidentiality around internal matters.
Mr Walliams has released over 40 books with HarperCollins since publishing his debut children’s novel, The Boy in the Dress, in 2008.
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GETTY“HarperCollins takes employee wellbeing extremely seriously and has processes in place for reporting and investigating concerns,” the spokesperson added.
“To respect the privacy of individuals we do not comment on internal matters.”
Mr Walliams has worked with HarperCollins since 2008, when his debut children’s novel The Boy in the Dress was released.
He went on to become one of Britain’s most commercially successful children’s authors.
David Walliams had worked with the publisher since 2008 | GETTY
The Telegraph reported that a year-long investigation uncovered allegations that Walliams had harassed junior female staff at the publishing house.
According to the newspaper, a complaint was raised in 2023, prompting an internal inquiry involving interviews with multiple colleagues.
At least one in-house lawyer was said to have participated in the investigation, which concluded in 2024.
Sources indicated that measures were then put in place to limit contact between certain employees and the author.
Former staff members told the newspaper they were instructed to meet Walliams in pairs and discouraged from visiting his home unaccompanied.
One female junior worker reportedly raised concerns and later left HarperCollins after reaching a settlement that reportedly included a five-figure payment.
Mr Walliams’ catalogue of more than 40 books has sold over 60 million copies worldwide and been translated into 55 languages.
At the height of his success in 2018, industry publications estimated he accounted for 44 per cent of HarperCollins’ UK children’s book sales.
A year-long investigation uncovered allegations that Walliams had harassed junior female staff at the publishing house
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By 2019, sales from his books were estimated to have generated around £100 million.
Several of his titles, including Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, have been adapted for BBC television.
However, sales reportedly fell by more than 60 per cent over the summer, according to The Bookseller, amid renewed criticism of stereotypes in his work.
His television career also suffered a setback in 2022 after he left Britain’s Got Talent following an apology for making crude remarks off-camera.
HarperCollins underwent a leadership shake-up in October after Charlie Redmayne’s sudden departure as chief executive.
Kate Elton was appointed interim CEO, with the decision to end the relationship with Walliams taken during her tenure.
Mr Walliams, whose real name is David Edward Williams, was awarded an OBE in 2017 for services to charity and the arts.
He raised more than £2 million for Sport Relief through a 140-mile swim along the River Thames.
His most recent book, Santa & Son, was published by HarperCollins in October, weeks before the publisher confirmed it would release no further titles by the author.