David Walliams Denies Sexual Misconduct Allegations Involving Young Women
British comedian and author David Walliams has denied allegations of sexual misconduct involving women, including claims that he pursued inappropriate relationships with girls while they were teenagers.
The allegations emerged from a three-year joint investigation by The Guardian and ITV News. Several women reportedly accused the former Britain’s Got Talent judge of grooming them when they were young.
In a statement to both media organisations, Walliams, 55, acknowledged that he had sometimes behaved thoughtlessly in past casual sexual relationships. However, he rejected claims that he had abused his celebrity status or acted as a sexual predator.
“Looking back, I realise that at times I behaved thoughtlessly towards other people I had casual sexual relationships with. I realise I did not always take people’s feelings properly into account. That is something I regret,” he said.
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He added that although fame could create a power imbalance in relationships, he had never abused that position.
“I am not a sexual predator. I have not broken the law,” Walliams stated, adding that he was devastated that some women he had met years earlier had expressed hurt or anger towards him.
David Walliams unsuccessfully challenges media investigation
Before the allegations were published, Walliams took legal action against Independent Television News (ITN) and Guardian News and Media (GNM), the publisher of The Guardian.
The media organisations’ lawyers told the High Court in London that the allegations involved claims that Walliams used his fame and influence to contact young women and pursue inappropriate and exploitative sexual encounters.
His legal team sought an injunction to prevent publication, arguing that the reports could cause serious harm to his mental health.
The comedian was granted anonymity during the initial court proceedings. However, the restriction was lifted after his application for an injunction was dismissed.
During a two-day hearing in October, lawyers representing ITN and GNM said the allegations had been gathered through a wide-ranging investigation. They also argued that publishing the findings was in the public interest.
Downing Street describes allegations as troubling
The allegations have also attracted a response from the UK government. Downing Street described the claims against Walliams as “deeply troubling”.
According to the report, his lawyers told the court that he had attempted suicide after receiving letters from the media organisations seeking his response to the allegations.
They attributed his distress to long-term trauma and fears about being subjected to a trial by media.
The allegations have not been established as criminal convictions. Walliams continues to deny wrongdoing and maintains that he has not broken the law.
