Best-selling children’s author David Walliams has been dropped by his publisher HarperCollins UK. The David Walliams controversy emerged on 19 December 2025 after reports surfaced about an investigation.
HarperCollins UK confirmed it would not publish any new titles by the 54-year-old author. The decision came under the leadership of new CEO Kate Elton, who was formally appointed in October 2025.
David Walliams Allegations: What The Telegraph Investigation Revealed
The Telegraph reported that the David Walliams scandal stems from allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards junior female employees. The newspaper stated Walliams had allegedly harassed young women working at HarperCollins UK.
One woman who raised concerns reportedly received a five-figure payoff from the publisher. The woman then left the Company after reaching a settlement, according to sources cited by The Telegraph.
HarperCollins reportedly carried out an internal inquiry after a junior employee made a complaint in 2023. Following the investigation, the publisher took steps to limit contact between Walliams and some employees. These David Walliams allegations prompted significant changes in workplace protocols at the publishing house.
How HarperCollins Responded to David Walliams Controversy
Sources told The Telegraph that measures were implemented to protect staff after the investigation concluded in 2024. Some employees were advised not to work directly with Walliams following the David Walliams allegations. Staff were reportedly encouraged to attend meetings in pairs when interacting with the author.
Junior employees were also discouraged from visiting Walliams’ home, sources claimed. These protocols remained in place until the Company’s decision to sever ties with the author. The David Walliams scandal intensified when Charlie Redmayne suddenly stepped down as chief executive in October 2025.
Kate Elton replaced Redmayne on an interim basis before being formally confirmed as CEO on 22 October 2025. The decision to drop Walliams came weeks after Elton took the helm. HarperCollins has not confirmed whether the David Walliams controversy played a role in the CEO change.
David Walliams Denies All Allegations and Plans Legal Action
A spokesperson for Walliams issued a strong denial regarding the David Walliams allegations. The spokesperson said Walliams had never been informed of any allegations raised against him by HarperCollins. He was not party to any investigation or given any opportunity to answer questions, the statement revealed.
Walliams strongly denies that he has behaved inappropriately and is taking legal advice, his representative added. The author’s team emphasised that he was unaware of the investigation into the David Walliams scandal. Legal experts suggest Walliams may pursue action against HarperCollins over the handling of the matter.
The publisher responded by stating it takes employee well-being extremely seriously. HarperCollins said it has processes in place for reporting and investigating concerns related to the David Walliams controversy. To respect the privacy of individuals, the Company does not comment on internal matters, a spokesperson confirmed.
From Comedy Star to Best-Selling Author
Walliams rose to fame as co-creator and star of BBC’s Little Britain in the early 2000s. The sketch show became a cultural phenomenon and made him one of Britain’s most recognisable comedians. He starred alongside Matt Lucas in both Little Britain and Come Fly With Me.
From 2008, Walliams reinvented himself as a children’s author, achieving remarkable commercial success. HarperCollins published his first children’s book, The Boy in the Dress, in 2008. He has authored more than 40 books and short story collections since then.
By 2019, it was estimated that Walliams had sold GBP 100 million worth of books. His titles have sold more than 60 million copies worldwide in 55 languages. Popular works include Gangsta Granny, Billionaire Boy, Mr Stink and Grandpa’s Great Escape.
Previous Controversies That Preceded the Current Allegations
The current David Walliams controversy is not his first brush with scandal. In 2022, he apologised after making what he called disrespectful comments about Britain’s Got Talent contestants. The Guardian reported on leaked transcripts showing crude remarks made during 2020 auditions at the London Palladium.
Walliams referred to one contestant using offensive language during a break in filming. He made inappropriate comments about another contestant’s appearance, according to the leaked transcript. Walliams left Britain’s Got Talent in 2022 following the controversy over these remarks.
He subsequently sued production Company Fremantle over the leaking of the comments. Fremantle apologised and reached an amicable resolution with Walliams in 2023, settling the legal dispute. This summer, Walliams faced criticism after appearing to make two Nazi salutes during a recording of Would I Lie To You.
Impact on His Literary Legacy
Critics have also challenged aspects of Walliams’ writing, including the use of stereotypes. In 2021, a story titled Brian Wong, Who Was Never, Ever Wrong was removed from The World’s Worst Children. The story about a Chinese boy sparked complaints about racial stereotyping and cultural insensitivity.
HarperCollins, owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation, manages around $9.5 billion in committed funds globally. The publisher employs thousands of staff across its UK operations, including many junior employees. The David Walliams scandal has raised questions about workplace culture in the publishing industry.
Publishing industry insiders suggest the David Walliams controversy may prompt other companies to review their protocols. The handling of complaints involving high-profile authors is under scrutiny following this case. Industry bodies are reportedly considering guidance for publishers on managing similar situations.
What Happens Next for David Walliams Following Publisher Split
Walliams toured New Zealand in 2024, including a surprise appearance on Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking Breakfast. He told radio host John Cowan he would bring spontaneity, adult themes and rude humour to his live shows. The author said he was constantly reminding himself how lucky he was with his career success.
The David Walliams allegations have cast doubt on his future projects and public appearances. Without HarperCollins’ backing, Walliams will need to secure a new publisher to continue his children’s book career. Literary agents suggest securing a new deal may prove challenging given the circumstances surrounding the David Walliams scandal.
Some observers believe Walliams may focus on television work or live performances instead. Others suggest he could self-publish future books or seek an international publisher. The legal action he is pursuing could influence his next career moves regarding the David Walliams controversy.
FAQs
Q1. What are the David Walliams allegations about?
Ans. The David Walliams allegations involve claims of inappropriate behaviour towards junior female employees at HarperCollins UK. The Telegraph reported that Walliams allegedly harassed young women working at the publisher. One staff member reportedly received a five-figure settlement after raising concerns about his conduct.
Q2. How has David Walliams responded to the controversy?
Ans. Walliams strongly denies the David Walliams allegations and says he was never informed of any investigation. His spokesperson stated he was not party to any inquiry or given any opportunity to answer questions. Walliams is taking legal advice regarding the David Walliams scandal and his treatment by HarperCollins.
Q3. Why did HarperCollins drop David Walliams?
Ans. HarperCollins UK announced it would not publish any new titles by Walliams under the leadership of new CEO Kate Elton. The decision came after an investigation into the David Walliams allegations involving inappropriate behaviour. The publisher has not confirmed specific reasons but said the decision followed careful consideration.
Q4. What books has David Walliams written?
Ans. Walliams has authored more than 40 children’s books since 2008, selling over 60 million copies worldwide. His popular titles include Gangsta Granny, The Boy in the Dress, Billionaire Boy and Mr Stink. Many of his books have been adapted into television films before the David Walliams controversy emerged.
