British comedian David Walliams has been accused of sexual misconduct after previously attempting to conceal his identity.
Walliams, a children’s book author and judge on Britain’s Got Talent, was officially named in a report by The Guardian on Tuesday, November 10. According to the outlet, multiple women accused Walliams, now 55, of using his status to groom them. Two of the accusers, who are now in their 30s, were allegedly 15 when they met Walliams.
The allegations reportedly span decades. Walliams was identified following a lengthy investigation by The Guardian and ITV News.
Walliams previously sought an injunction against the media companies in order to prevent his name from being released, with his lawyers claiming he was a suicide risk. The request was denied by a judge earlier this month.
Last year, Walliams’ entire back catalog of published works was dropped by HarperCollins following an internal investigation over “inappropriate behavior” toward female employees. The Guardian alleged Walliams had a sexual relationship with a junior member of staff at the publishing company.
Walliams denied the accusations against him in a statement published Tuesday.
“Looking back, I realize that at times I behaved thoughtlessly towards other people I had casual sexual relationships with,” he began. “I realize 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 I never did.”
Walliams insisted, “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.”
During court proceedings earlier this month, Walliams’ attorney, Sara Mansoori KC, noted he had “been hospitalized for months” and “has no intention of returning to public life” amid the ongoing scandal.
The attorney representing the media organizations involved in the case, meanwhile, argued Walliams’ alleged victims were also “traumatized” by his behavior and “have suffered mental health crises” of their own. The lawyer further argued “the obligation falls on the hospital” to keep Walliams safe and his mental health is not the responsibility of the media outlets.
If you have experienced sexual assault, call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 for confidential support.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
