David Walliams denies misconduct as HarperCollins ends publishing deal

David Walliams, a leading English children’s author and performer, has vigorously denied accusations of inappropriate conduct after HarperCollins UK decided not to publish any new titles from him. The publisher said the move was made after careful consideration under its new leadership, without publicly detailing the reasons behind the decision.

The Telegraph reported that the decision followed an investigation into alleged behavior toward young women, but HarperCollins declined to confirm the specifics or the outcome of any inquiry.

Walliams’ representatives stated that he had never been told of any allegations by the publisher, and he is taking legal advice while insisting the claims are false. They added that he was not part of any formal investigation and was not questioned about the matter.

HarperCollins emphasised its commitment to employee wellbeing and noted that it has procedures to report and investigate concerns, while also protecting the privacy of individuals involved.

Walliams has sold more than 60 million copies of his books worldwide, with translations in about 55 languages. His debut children’s novel, The Boy in the Dress, appeared in 2008, and titles such as Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy have been adapted for television. He has published more than 40 books in total, including the Christmas story Santa & Son released by HarperCollins in October.

Beyond his writing career, Walliams rose to fame on the TV sketch show Little Britain and later served as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent, earning a National Television Award for his work. In 2017, he was awarded the title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to charity and the arts.

He has faced controversy in recent years, including criticism for actions interpreted as a Nazi salute during a recording of the INLIBER comedy panel show this summer. In 2022, he apologised for making disrespectful comments about two Britain’s Got Talent contestants and subsequently left the programme, settling a dispute with the production company in 2023.

In October, HarperCollins UK appointed Kate Elton as its new chief executive to guide the publishing house forward.

Expert comment

Analyst perspective: The episode highlights how major publishers handle reputational risk and internal investigations while balancing creative partnerships with public accountability. It also signals that the careers of high-profile authors can be affected regardless of the final outcome of any inquiry.

Short summary

David Walliams has denied any inappropriate conduct despite HarperCollins UK’s decision to stop publishing his new titles. The publisher cited internal processes and leadership changes, while reports of an investigation did not come with formal confirmation. Walliams remains a prominent figure in children’s literature, with a broad catalogue and several TV adaptations. The publishing house has appointed a new chief executive, and Walliams’ career continues to attract scrutiny amid past controversies.

Key takeaway: In today’s publishing landscape, high-profile authors face swift action from publishers when concerns arise, underscoring the importance of transparent processes and accountability. BBC

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