HarperCollins UK has severed ties with bestselling children’s author and comedian David Walliams, citing “careful consideration” under new leadership. The decision follows a reported investigation by the publisher into allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards young women.
Walliams has strongly denied the allegations. A spokesperson stated he was “never been informed of any allegations raised against him” by HarperCollins, nor was he “party to any investigation or given any opportunity to answer questions.” He is reportedly seeking legal advice.
The publisher, which released Walliams’s first children’s book in 2008 and has published over 40 of his titles, said it takes employee wellbeing “extremely seriously” but declined to comment on internal matters.
The move halts all new releases from one of the UK’s most successful authors, with over 60 million books sold worldwide.
While the BBC stated it has “no future projects directly involving David Walliams,” two of his adapted TV films are still scheduled to air, and a pre-recorded panel show appearance will proceed.
Walliams, who rose to fame on Little Britain and served as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent, has faced previous controversies, including apologising for “disrespectful comments” about contestants on that show in 2022.
By James Kisoo
