David Walliams fails to block publication of misconduct allegations
High Court dismisses bid for injunction preventing reporting on claims of sexual misconduct and grooming.
News London evidence indexOpen analysis ▾
Two independent outlets reported on a joint investigation by the Guardian and ITN, citing specific allegations and court proceedings.
Higher is stronger
Reporting clearly separates allegations from denials and includes details of the legal proceedings and previous controversies.
Higher is stronger
Headlines use strong language like 'sexual misconduct allegations' but the body provides context and denials.
Lower is better
David Walliams, 55, sought a High Court injunction to prevent Independent Television News (ITN) and Guardian News and Media (GNM) from publishing allegations against him. The claims involve alleged "abuse of power and status" to contact young women for "inappropriate and exploitative sexual activities".
Court Ruling on Injunction
Richmond upon Thames tops happy at home index, Barking at bottom
Rightmove’s 2026 survey placed Richmond first in the nation while Barking and Dagenham ranked 221st, the lowest London borough
Mr Justice Nicklin refused Walliams' request for an injunction, stating that granting it would constitute an "exceptionally serious interference" with freedom of expression. The judge noted that Walliams had been detained under the Mental Health Act in October, with hospitals and health staff assuming responsibility for his immediate safety, which reduced the likelihood of suicide. Walliams' legal team had argued that publication could have a "potentially fatal impact" due to his history of suicide attempts and trauma.
The media organisations' lawyers told the High Court that their investigation, which involved speaking to over 100 people including more than 30 with first-hand accounts, was "wide-ranging and rigorous". They argued there was a "strong" public interest in publishing the allegations.
Nature of the Allegations
Hillingdon Air Pollution Hits Highest Level
West London borough recorded fine particle levels eight times the WHO daily guideline.
Multiple women have accused Walliams of sexually inappropriate behaviour and grooming, with some allegations dating back ten to twenty years. One woman described her alleged encounter with Walliams when she was 15 as "sexual assault". The allegations also include claims of inappropriate conduct and sexual harassment at his former publisher, HarperCollins, and during his time working on Britain's Got Talent.
In response to the investigation by The Guardian and ITV News, Walliams denied all allegations. He stated: "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 added, "I am not a sexual predator... I have not broken the law... I am devastated that some of the women I met ten to twenty years ago have now expressed hurt or anger towards me."
Consequences and Denials
Walliams' anonymity during the court proceedings was lifted after his injunction bid was dismissed. His book publisher, HarperCollins, dropped him in December 2025 following an investigation into allegations of harassment, which he denied. Earlier this month, Alton Towers permanently closed its "World Of David Walliams" attraction. Walliams left Britain's Got Talent in 2022 after apologising for "disrespectful comments" made about contestants.
Questions this report answers
+What allegations have been made against David Walliams?
Multiple women have accused David Walliams of sexually inappropriate behaviour and grooming, including when they were teenagers. Allegations also include "abuse of power and status" to contact young women for "inappropriate and exploitative sexual activities", and claims of inappropriate conduct and sexual harassment at his former publisher and during his time on Britain's Got Talent.
+Did David Walliams try to prevent these allegations from being published?
Yes, David Walliams sought a High Court injunction to block the publication of his identity and the allegations against him. His legal bid was unsuccessful, and the High Court dismissed his request.
+What was David Walliams' response to the allegations?
David Walliams denies all the allegations made against him. He has stated that he "at times behaved thoughtlessly" towards people with whom he had casual sexual relationships and regrets not always taking their feelings into account. He also stated he is "not a sexual predator" and "has not broken the law."
+What has been the impact of these allegations?
Following the publication of the allegations, David Walliams' book publisher HarperCollins dropped him in December 2025. Additionally, the theme park Alton Towers permanently closed its "World Of David Walliams" attraction earlier this month.
News London Desk
This article was written at the News London news desk from the reporting of the outlets listed below it. Drafting is done by a language model under human editorial supervision — there is no reporter behind this byline, and we would rather say so than invent one.
How stories are produced and scoredWho runs News LondonCorrections
The London Ledger
A considered capital-wide edit delivered each morning.