Production company Freemantle shocked and saddened by David Walliams lawsuit
Former Britain's Got Talent judge David Walliams is taking legal action against production company Freemantle following his exit from the popular TV show in 2022. Walliams, 52, is seeking up to £10 million in lost earnings and damages as a result of an alleged data protection breach that involved his microphone being secretly left on and recording during filming and breaks.
The court documents reveal that Walliams has been struggling with "active suicidal thoughts" and believes he has "lost the ability to be funny" due to the fear of his private comments being leaked without his consent. The leaking of transcripts containing explicit and derogatory remarks about contestants has taken a toll on his mental health, leading to severe depression and sleep problems. Consultant psychiatrist Dr. Mark Collins, who has been treating Walliams for years, confirmed the impact on Walliams' mental well-being. Walliams alleges that Fremantle recorded, transcribed, and retained private conversations spanning a decade, including discussions about his marriage and family.
Reports suggest that Walliams is seeking £1 million in lost earnings from his time on Britain's Got Talent, £1.7 million in lost earnings and £3.4 million to cover future losses for at least two years, bringing the total damages sought to £6.1 million. This could potentially rise to £10 million as Walliams also seeks unspecified damages for psychiatric harm, distress, and upset, as well as legal costs.
Fremantle, the production company facing the lawsuit, has expressed both surprise and sadness over the legal action, but has also stated that while they are open to a resolution, they are also ready to defend themselves if necessary.
Walliams left Britain's Got Talent after the leaking of explicit and offensive comments he made during filming, including calling an elderly contestant derogatory terms. While Walliams has since apologised for these remarks, they ultimately led to his exit from the show. He was replaced by former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli.
