David Walliams denies inappropriate behaviour allegations after being dropped by publisher

HarperCollins UK have said they will not release any new books from the 'Little Britain' star after "careful consideration"

David Walliams has denied accusations of inappropriate behaviour after being dropped by his publisher HarperCollins UK.

A spokesperson for the publisher said yesterday (Friday December 19) that they would not be releasing any new books by the Little Britain comedian after “careful consideration”, citing the appointment of its new CEO Kate Elton in October.

The Telegraph have reported that HarperCollins’ decision followed an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Walliams towards young women, although the publisher has not stated the reasons for its decision.

A representative of Walliams has said that he had “never been informed of any allegations raised against him” by HarperCollins and “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,” the statement added.

HarperCollins have said they have “processes in place for reporting and investigating concerns” about the wellbeing of their employees, and “to respect the privacy of individuals, we do not comment on internal matters”.

Walliams, 54, rose to fame in the early 2000s as the co-creator and star of the BBC sketch show Little Britain alongside Matt Lucas. He was as judge on Britain’s Got Talent from 2012 until 2022, when he made his exit one year later after he apologised following a recording emerging of the judge making “disrespectful” comments towards contestants.

He pivoted to writing children’s books and became one of the most successful authors in the UK, releasing his debut The Boy in the Dress, published by HarperCollins in 2008. His best-known titles include Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, which have both been adapted into television films, and he has sold more than 60 million copies around the world in 55 different languages.

HarperCollins, which is owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation, have published over 40 of his books. The most recent book to have been published is the Christmas-themed Santa & Son, which was released in October.

Walliams was made an OBE in 2017 for his services to charity and the arts.