David Walliams revealed as famous man at centre of sexual misconduct allegations

David Walliams revealed as famous man at centre of sexual misconduct allegations Lawyers for the comedian and acclaimed children’s author had sought an injunction to prevent publication of allegations - Bookmark Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in David Walliams has been revealed as the famous man who brought legal action against two media organisations to prevent them from publishing allegations of sexual misconduct. The former Britain’s Got Talent judge had sought an injunction against The Guardian and ITV because of a risk he would take his own life, after two previous suicide attempts. Lawyers for the media organisations previously told the High Court in London the allegations they want to report involve the man’s alleged “abuse of his power and status” to contact young women and try to engage in “inappropriate sexual activity, including potential criminal activity”. Walliams has denied any wrongdoing. The Guardian published an investigation the day after the appeal deadline passed, in which Walliams is accused of pursuing inappropriate relationships with younger women. In a letter addressed to journalists working on this investigation, Walliams wrote: “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. “And whilst a power imbalance is inevitable when one party is famous, abusing that power is something else entirely and it is something that I never did.” He added: “I am not a sexual predator. 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.” The court was told during a two-day hearing that the former comedian and children’s author had been recently detained under the Mental Health Act for assessment and transferred to an NHS hospital. He was first approached for comment in May 2022 about “allegations of inappropriate conduct”, which did not lead to an article being published, before The Guardian and ITV agreed to collaborate on an investigation in 2023. Over the following three years, journalists spoke to more than 100 people, including more than 30 sources with first-hand accounts, as well as former partners and colleagues. The allegations concern Walliams’s conduct in “several professional and personal contexts”, including his behaviour towards junior female employees. In May 2026, he was again approached for comment, but attempted suicide and was later admitted to a private psychiatric hospital as a voluntary patient. His assistant told the court that he had seen an “immediate and marked change” in Walliams upon receiving a request from the media outlets, and that “urgent intervention” had been required. During this period, lawyers for Walliams requested that The Guardian and ITV refrain from publishing, and to permit further time for medical assessment. He was invited to apply for an injunction for a court to determine, with both Walliams’s legal team and the media outlets agreeing to appoint an expert to evaluate his condition. In a judgment last Tuesday, Mr Justice Nicklin dismissed the injunction bid. More follows on this breaking news story. Subscribe here to get the latest updates from The Independent If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI) or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to befrienders.org to find a helpline near you