Comedian David Walliams faces allegations of grooming and sexual misconduct

The investigation included interviews with multiple women who shared firsthand accounts of Walliams’ behavior. One woman alleges a sexual assault occurred at his home when she was 15, while others claim he groomed them during their teenage years.

Walliams’ legal team previously sought a court injunction to prevent media outlets from identifying him while reporting on the allegations, arguing that publication could lead to him taking his own life. This request was denied last week, with his identity being protected until Monday.

“I am not a sexual predator,” Walliams stated, according to ITV News. “I have not broken the law, but I am devastated that some of the women I met 10 to 20 years ago have now expressed hurt or anger towards me.” His lawyer, Sara Mansoori, had previously informed the UK’s High Court that he attempted suicide upon receiving correspondence from ITN and Guardian News and Media. He was subsequently admitted to a hospital for psychiatric care.

The case has sparked debate in Britain concerning the balance between public figures’ privacy rights and the media’s ability to report matters of public interest. Gavin Millar, representing the media companies, emphasized that the allegations stemmed from a “wide-ranging and rigorous investigation” involving over 100 people, including 30 with direct knowledge of Walliams’ conduct.

Justice Matthew Nicklin, in dismissing the injunction, acknowledged Walliams’ “serious and longstanding psychiatric vulnerability” and the potential for increased suicide risk. However, he concluded that the evidence did not prove that suicide was inevitable.

Walliams was released from his publishing contract with HarperCollins last year following allegations of inappropriate behavior, including a reported inappropriate sexual relationship with a junior employee. He also departed from his role as a judge on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ in 2022 after apologizing for offensive remarks made about contestants.