David Walliams dropped by publisher over claims of inappropriate behaviour towards young women
DAVID Walliams has been accused of allegedly harassing junior female employees.
The famous children’s author has been dropped by HarperCollins in the wake of the accusations.
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Walliams skyrocketed to fame 20 years agoCredit: Getty
Walliams poses with the props at the launch of the stage version of his book ‘Awful Auntie’ at Richmond TheatreCredit: Chris Eades
According to The Telegraph, one woman who raised the 54-year-old’s alleged behaviour was reportedly given a five-figure payoff.
Walliams skyrocketed to fame 20 years ago and became a household name following the series Little Britain.
He went on to pen over 40 books and short story collections – worth an estimated £100m.
A spokesman for HarperCollins told the Telegraph: “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 author is aware of this decision.
“HarperCollins takes employee wellbeing extremely seriously and has processes in place for reporting and investigating concerns.
“To respect the privacy of individuals we do not comment on internal matters.”
The newspaper claimed employees were told to work in “pairs” when meeting him and told not to visit his house.
It reported that an investigation was launched in 2023 after a junior employee raised concerns and later left the company.
In November 2022, Walliams stepped down from being a Britain’s Got Talent judge after nearly a decade.
It came after a transcript of comments he made about contestants during a break in filming were made public.
In a statement issued before he quit, he said: “I would like to apologise to the people I made disrespectful comments about during breaks in filming for Britain’s Got Talent in 2020.
“These were private conversations and – like most conversations with friends – were never intended to be shared. Nevertheless, I am sorry.”
In the leaked transcripts David called one OAP a c*** three times and said of another: “She thinks you want to f*** her, but you don’t.”
The remarks were picked up on his microphone during auditions at the London Palladium in January 2020.
It was then revealed in September 2023 that David had launched legal action against the BGT production company, Fremantle, over the damaging leak.
Then on November 27, 2023, it was revealed how the TV comic had sensationally secured a huge payout following his lawsuit.
The Sun has approached Walliams for comment.
Walliams signs copies of his books ‘Grandpa’s Great Escape’ and ‘The Bear Who Went Boo’ at Harrods on November 15, 2015Credit: Getty – Contributor
David Walliams has been dropped by his publisher after claims that he allegedly harassed junior employeesCredit: David Hartley
