British actor David Walliams has been accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl and grooming another teenager in a joint Guardian and ITV News investigation published on Tuesday after his failed attempt to prevent publication. His lawyers confirmed Monday that he would not appeal.
Walliams said: “I am not a sexual predator… I have not broken the law.” He denies sexual contact with a woman the investigation identifies as Jade and denies grooming a woman it identifies as Alex. He said he believed Alex was 18 during their relationship. The allegations are not court findings, and the reports do not announce criminal charges.
The investigation heard from 30 sources. Two women say contact with Walliams began when each was 15.
Jade, a pseudonym used by ITV News, alleges she was sexually assaulted at 15. Walliams denies sexual contact with her.
Alex, also identified by a pseudonym, alleges she was groomed from the age of 15 before a sexual relationship at 17, which she describes as consensual. Walliams denies grooming her and said he believed she was 18 during the relationship.
A fixture of Britain’s Labour-aligned entertainment establishment, Walliams wrote in 2020: “All my life I have voted Labour.” He previously described himself as “a great fan of Tony Blair” and backed Andy Burnham for the Labour leadership in 2015.
Best known for creating and starring in Little Britain and Come Fly With Me alongside Matt Lucas, Walliams spent a decade judging Britain’s Got Talent. His film credits include Dinner for Schmucks and Netflix’s Murder Mystery, starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston.
The investigation also reports additional allegations of inappropriate conduct and harassment at Britain’s Got Talent and at the publisher HarperCollins. Colleagues at the publisher allege that women were sent to his house in pairs for protection. Walliams admits a relationship with an intern. Allegations of harassment and coercion are disputed.
Britain’s Got Talent producer Fremantle said no complaint was made to it, the broadcaster, or the regulator. Syco said it had no knowledge of the allegations. ITV said day-to-day duty of care rested with the independent producer. HarperCollins said it takes employee wellbeing seriously and would not discuss internal matters.
