David Walliams denies inappropriate behaviour after publisher drops him

Since being rejected by his publisher HarperCollins UK, best-selling children's author and comedian David Walliams denied allegations of inappropriate conduct. HarperCollins' spokesperson said the company had decided not to announce any new Walliams titles

after careful consideration and under the leadership of its new CEO. According to the Telegraph, it was the result of an inquiry into reports of inappropriate conduct toward young women. HarperCollins did not disclose the reasons for its decision. Walliams' spokesperson said he had

never been told" of any charges against him by his publisher.

He was not aware of any probe or given the opportunity to answer questions. David strongly denies that he has behaved inappropriately and is seeking legal assistance,

the spokesperson continued. Employee wellbeing was highly important by the publisher, according to

processes in place for reporting and investigating complaints.

We respect the privacy of individuals we do not comment on internal matters,

the company said. Walliams is one of the UK's most popular children's writers, having sold more than 60 million copies in 55 languages around the world. In 2008, HarperCollins published The Boy in the Dress, his first children's book. Some of his books, including Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, have also been turned into television films. He has published more than 40 books in total, including a Christmas book titled Santa & Son, which was published by HarperCollins in October. Mr Stink and The Boy in the Dress, two of his books, have been turned into TV films, and they will be broadcast on CBBC on Sunday. Walliams is also scheduled to appear on comedy panel show If I Lie to You? on Boxing Day.

While we are not making any changes to the festive calendars, we have no forthcoming projects involving David Walliams directly.

Walliams first rose to fame on television sketch series Little Britain, and he has also been recognized by National Television Awards for his work as a judge on Britain's Got Talent. In 2017, he was awarded an OBE for his contributions to charity and the performing arts. However, he has been chastised for making two Nazi salutes during a recording of BBC comedy panel show Will I Lie To You? this summer. During a break in filming, he apologised and admitted making

disrespectful remarks" about two UK Got Talent contestants. He left the program last year and sued the company for the leak of the details, settling with them in 2023. In October, HarperCollins UK appointed Kate Elton as its new chief executive.