David Walliams Dropped By Publisher After Misconduct Allegations

On December 19, 2025, the world of children’s literature and British entertainment was shaken by the news that David Walliams, the best-selling author and comedian, had been dropped by his long-time publisher, HarperCollins. The decision came in the wake of allegations of misconduct towards junior female employees, a development that has cast a shadow over Walliams’ prolific career and prompted renewed scrutiny of the publishing industry’s approach to workplace behavior.

According to The Financial Times and The Daily Beast, the allegations against Walliams first surfaced in 2023 when a junior colleague at HarperCollins filed a complaint about his conduct. This triggered an internal investigation, during which employees who had worked with Walliams were interviewed about his behavior. The investigation concluded in 2024, but details remained closely guarded until the publisher’s decisive move at the end of 2025.

One junior woman who raised concerns about Walliams’ behavior ultimately left HarperCollins with a settlement that included a five-figure payout, as reported by The Daily Beast. The specifics of the allegations have not been made public, and both HarperCollins and Walliams’ representatives have declined to provide further comment. The incident comes not long after the unexpected resignation of HarperCollins’ former CEO, Charlie Redmayne, in October—himself the elder half-brother of Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne—though there is no indication the events are directly connected.

Walliams’ agent responded to the controversy in a statement to The Telegraph, asserting, “David has never been informed of any allegations raised against him by HarperCollins. He was not party to any investigation or given any opportunity to answer questions. David strongly denies that he has behaved inappropriately and is taking legal advice.” The lack of direct communication between the publisher and Walliams has raised eyebrows, with some in the literary world questioning whether due process was followed and others arguing that swift action is necessary to protect vulnerable employees.

Walliams, now 54, has been a towering figure in British children’s literature since the publication of his first novel, The Boy in the Dress, in 2008. His subsequent books, including Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, have become fixtures in classrooms and bedtime routines across the globe. With more than 60 million copies sold and translations into 55 languages, his influence on young readers is undeniable. Yet, this latest controversy is not the first time Walliams’ behavior has come under scrutiny.

Throughout his career, Walliams has faced criticism for a string of incidents that have raised questions about his judgment and sensitivity. In 2020, while serving as a judge on the popular television show Britain’s Got Talent, Walliams was caught on a hot mic making explicit and derogatory comments about contestants. Referring to one contestant with a crude slur and making sexually suggestive remarks about another, his off-camera banter quickly became public knowledge after a recording was leaked.

In the aftermath, Walliams issued a public apology, stating, “I would like to apologize to the people I made disrespectful comments about during breaks in filming for Britain’s Got Talent in 2020. These were private conversations and—like most conversations with friends—were never intended to be shared. Nevertheless, I am sorry.” Despite the apology, the incident led to his departure from the show and a lawsuit against the program’s producers over the leak.

Walliams’ earlier television work has also been the subject of controversy. In 2020, two of his comedy series, Little Britain and Come Fly With Me, were removed from streaming platforms after public backlash over the use of blackface and racial stereotypes. Both Walliams and his writing partner, Matt Lucas, addressed the criticism in a joint statement on social media: “[We] have both spoken publicly in recent years of our regret that we played characters of other races. Once again, we want to make it clear that it was wrong & we are very sorry.” The removal of the shows was part of a broader reckoning within British comedy and entertainment over historic depictions of race and ethnicity.

Most recently, in June 2025, Walliams found himself at the center of another storm when he performed two Nazi salutes during the taping of a Christmas-themed special episode of the British panel show Would I Lie to You?. The incident, which reportedly shocked the audience and drew immediate criticism from fellow panel members, was deemed so inappropriate that the BBC announced the footage would not be broadcast. The move was widely supported by viewers and industry observers, who argued that such gestures have no place in contemporary entertainment, regardless of context or intent.

The cumulative effect of these controversies has prompted a wider conversation about accountability in the creative industries. While some argue that Walliams’ body of work—particularly his contributions to children’s literature—should be separated from his personal conduct, others contend that public figures who wield significant influence must be held to higher standards. The publishing world, in particular, faces increasing pressure to ensure safe and respectful workplaces, with high-profile cases like Walliams’ serving as cautionary tales.

The case has also highlighted the complexities of handling misconduct allegations in high-profile settings. The fact that Walliams’ agent claims the author was never informed of the investigation or given a chance to respond has led to debate over transparency and fairness in such proceedings. Some industry insiders have called for clearer protocols and more open communication between employers and those accused, while others prioritize the protection of complainants and the need for swift action to prevent further harm.

For many readers and fans, the news is a bittersweet reminder of the duality that can exist in public life—where creative brilliance and personal failings are often intertwined. Walliams’ books have brought laughter and solace to millions of children, yet the recent revelations have left parents and educators reconsidering their place on the bookshelf. As one publishing commentator put it, “It’s a moment for the industry to reflect on how it balances the safeguarding of its staff with the stewardship of beloved cultural figures.”

As of now, HarperCollins and representatives for Walliams have not indicated whether there will be further statements or legal proceedings. The publishing giant’s decision to sever ties with one of its most lucrative authors marks a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of workplace culture within the literary world. Whether Walliams will find a new publishing home or seek to rehabilitate his public image remains to be seen, but the events of December 2025 have ensured that the conversation about conduct, accountability, and creative legacy is far from over.

In a world that increasingly demands both excellence and integrity from its public figures, the story of David Walliams stands as a stark reminder that the two are not always one and the same.