David Walliams has been dropped by the publisher ‘after careful consideration’
David Walliams has been dropped by the publisher ‘after careful consideration’
James Mutch and Kerri-Ann Roper and Hannah Roberts Press Association Reporters
21:27, 19 Dec 2025
David Walliams “strongly denies” allegations of inappropriate behaviour and was not informed about or involved in an investigation by publisher HarperCollins, according to a spokesperson for the author and TV personality. Walliams, 54, famed for his roles in comedy shows such as Come Fly With Me and Little Britain alongside Matt Lucas, was let go by HarperCollins who stated that “after careful consideration” they would not be publishing any new titles from the acclaimed children’s author.
The decision to drop him came in the wake of an investigation into claims he had “harassed” young women, as reported by the Telegraph.
A spokesperson for Walliams told the Press Association: “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”HarperCollins said in a statement: “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.”
They added: “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.”
Walliams has penned numerous titles including The Boy In The Dress, Fing, and Gangsta Granny, with the latter being adapted into a one-hour BBC programme in 2013, later followed by a follow-up featuring Sheridan Smith in 2022.
The television personality, whose real name is David Edward Williams, served as a panellist on Britain’s Got Talent before stepping down in 2022 following an apology for making “disrespectful comments” about contestants during filming intervals at the London Palladium in January 2020.
In 2023, Britain’s Got Talent producer Fremantle issued an apology and reached an “amicable resolution” with Walliams after his remarks made during the programme were leaked.
Walliams, who featured on the ITV talent programme from 2012 to 2022, had been pursuing legal action against the company for misuse of private information and for breaching UK General Data Protection Regulation (UKGDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
The comedian, actor and presenter was awarded an OBE in 2017 for services to the arts and charity, having raised £2m for Sport Relief by completing a 140-mile swim down the River Thames.
Earlier this year it was reported that he had performed Nazi salutes while filming BBC panel show Would I Lie To You?
