David Walliams is a British comedian, actor, children’s author and former “Britain’s Got Talent” judge who has become the subject of a new investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving young women.
Walliams, 55, is best known for his work on the BBC comedy series “Little Britain,” his decade-long stint as a judge on “Britain’s Got Talent” and his bestselling children’s books.
On November 10, The Guardian and ITV News identified Walliams as the celebrity who had unsuccessfully attempted to prevent the publication of allegations against him.
Several women accused Walliams of using his fame to pursue sexual relationships with them when they were teenagers or young adults.
Walliams has strongly denied the allegations, saying he is “not a sexual predator” and has “not broken the law.”
David Walliams Became Famous Through ‘Little Britain’ and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’
Walliams rose to prominence alongside Matt Lucas on the BBC sketch comedy series “Little Britain,” which premiered in 2003.
The show’s popularity led to an American spinoff, “Little Britain USA,” in 2008.
He later joined “Britain’s Got Talent” as a judge in 2012, appearing alongside Simon Cowell and other celebrity panelists.
During his 10 years on the competition, Walliams won multiple National Television Awards for Best TV Judge.
His time on the show ended in 2022 after The Guardian published audio recordings of him making derogatory and sexually explicit comments about contestants.
Walliams apologized for the remarks, explaining that they were made during private conversations.
The comedian also appeared in several films, including “Stardust,” “Dinner for Schmucks” and “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.”
Outside television, Walliams attracted attention for his charity work. In 2006, he completed a 21-mile swim across the English Channel and received recognition at the Pride of Britain Awards.
He was awarded an OBE in 2017.
Walliams Has Sold Millions of Children’s Books
Walliams began his career as a children’s author in 2008 with the publication of “The Boy in the Dress.”
The book sold more than 500,000 copies and was later adapted into a BBC television film.
He went on to write several more popular children’s books, including “Gangsta Granny,” which was also turned into a film. His books have reportedly sold 60 million copies worldwide.
In December 2025, HarperCollins dropped Walliams after investigating allegations that he behaved inappropriately toward young women.
In September 2026, the publisher announced it would no longer publish his back catalog.
Walliams denied the allegations of inappropriate behavior.
What Are the Allegations Against David Walliams?
The November 10 investigation included accounts from women who alleged that Walliams pursued them when they were teenagers.
One woman claimed he sexually assaulted her when she was 15. His lawyers denied that any sexual contact occurred and rejected allegations of criminal wrongdoing.
Another woman alleged that Walliams first contacted her when she was 15 and that they began having sex when she was 17.
His legal representatives said he believed the woman was 18.
Before the investigation became public, Walliams sought a court order to prevent the news organizations from identifying him.
His lawyers argued that publication would significantly increase his risk of suicide.
In a November 3 judgment, Judge Matthew Nicklin acknowledged that risk but dismissed the application. The court did not rule on whether the allegations were true.
Walliams addressed the accusations in a letter to the journalists investigating the claims.
“Looking back, I realize that at times I behaved thoughtlessly toward other people I had casual sexual relationships with,” he wrote.
“I realize I did not always take people’s feelings properly into account. That is something I regret. And whilst a power imbalance is inevitable when one party is famous, abusing that power is something else entirely and it is something that I never did.”
He added, “I am not a sexual predator. I have not broken the law, but I am devastated that some of the women I met 10 to 20 years ago have now expressed hurt or anger towards me.”
Who Is David Walliams? Former Anonymous UK Celebrity Faces Sexual Assault and Grooming Allegations