A celebrated storyteller, a beloved comedian, and a figure synonymous with children’s literature – David Walliams now faces a stark reckoning. The author, once responsible for an estimated £100 million in book sales, has parted ways with his long-time publisher, HarperCollins, amidst a cloud of serious allegations.
The separation follows reports of “inappropriate behaviour” towards women, specifically accusations of harassment leveled by junior female employees within the publishing house. An investigation was reportedly conducted by HarperCollins, though Walliams maintains he was unaware of it and denies any wrongdoing, stating he is seeking legal counsel.
This isn’t the first time controversy has shadowed Walliams’ career. Just last year, he stepped down from his role as a judge on “Britain’s Got Talent” following the emergence of leaked audio revealing deeply offensive remarks made about contestants during filming. The recordings exposed a harsh and demeaning commentary, raising questions about his conduct.
The fallout from the talent show incident seemed a singular event, but now a pattern of concern is emerging. Prior to the talent show controversy, Walliams’ work itself had come under scrutiny, with accusations of racism and fat-shaming leveled against his popular children’s books. He and former comedy partner Matt Lucas previously apologized for using blackface in earlier comedic sketches.
A former HarperCollins employee, reportedly involved in raising concerns about Walliams’ behaviour, received a substantial financial settlement and subsequently left the company. The publisher, under new leadership, has stated its decision to cease publishing new titles by Walliams was made after “careful consideration.”
HarperCollins emphasized its commitment to employee wellbeing and its established processes for addressing concerns, but declined to comment further on the specifics of the internal investigation, citing privacy. The situation has left a significant void in the publishing landscape and raises difficult questions about accountability and conduct within the entertainment industry.
Walliams, through his spokesperson, vehemently denies the allegations and asserts he was never given the opportunity to respond to any concerns raised by HarperCollins. The coming weeks will likely reveal the extent of the investigation and the potential legal ramifications of these serious claims.
