David Walliams, the British comedian and author, has been accused of grooming young fans and harassing women in the workplace after a three-year investigation by The Guardian and ITN. The allegations, which Walliams denies, have cast a shadow over a career that once seemed untouchable.
A Career Built on Laughter
Walliams first became a household name in the early 2000s with the sketch show Little Britain, which he created and performed with Matt Lucas. The show won three BAFTAs and two International Emmys and was watched by 10 million people in the UK. He later became a judge on Britain's Got Talent, winning best TV judge at the National Television Awards four times, and published 23 children's books that sold over 50 million copies worldwide, drawing comparisons to Roald Dahl.
Allegations and Legal Battle
The investigation alleged that Walliams preyed on teenage girls as young as 15 and young women for sexual purposes. He sought a High Court injunction to prevent publication, arguing that he would likely kill himself if the allegations were made public. The court refused. In a letter to journalists, Walliams acknowledged that he had behaved thoughtlessly towards some people he had casual sexual relationships with, but insisted he is not a sexual predator and has not broken the law.
Controversies Old and New
Walliams has faced criticism for other incidents. In 2020, he was booed at the NTAs for a joke about Caroline Flack, and in 2022 he was replaced as a BGT judge after leaked recordings revealed insulting remarks about contestants. He apologised and reached an amicable resolution with the show's producers. In 2025, he was dropped by HarperCollins over allegations of inappropriate behaviour, which he denied, and in 2026 the publisher cut all ties with him. Little Britain has also been criticised for its use of blackface and stereotypes, leading to its removal from streaming services in 2020 before being restored with edits in 2022.
Philanthropy and Personal Life
Walliams has raised millions for charity through marathon swims and was married to model Lara Stone from 2010 to 2015, with whom he has a son. Despite his charitable work, the recent allegations have raised questions about his legacy. As the entertainment industry grapples with shifting standards, Walliams' story serves as a cautionary tale about the price of fame and the importance of accountability.
