David Walliams has been identified as the celebrity who unsuccessfully sought a High Court injunction to prevent The Guardian and ITV News from publishing allegations of inappropriate and exploitative sexual behaviour involving girls and young women. The comedian and children’s author denies wrongdoing.
A joint investigation published on 10 November 2026 draws on accounts from more than 30 sources and supporting records. Women allege that Walliams used his celebrity status and influence to pursue sexual relationships and engaged in inappropriate conduct. Two women say they first encountered him when they were 15 and allege grooming. These are allegations, not proven findings. Read The Guardian’s investigation.
What the investigation alleges
The Guardian and ITV News report allegations involving contact with teenage fans, unsolicited messages and inappropriate conduct involving women in professional settings. Their investigation describes accounts from women who say Walliams’ fame or professional influence created an imbalance of power. Individual allegations have not been determined by a criminal court.
What David Walliams says
Walliams denies sexual predation, grooming, harassment and inappropriate workplace conduct. His response, reported by The Guardian, acknowledges that some former partners may have felt hurt and that celebrity can create a power imbalance, but disputes the allegations of wrongdoing. Readers should consult the full investigation and response for the detailed accounts and rebuttals.
Why the case went to the High Court
Walliams sought an injunction to stop The Guardian and Independent Television News from publishing. In a judgment handed down on 3 November, Mr Justice Nicklin refused the application. The judge considered evidence of a serious risk to Walliams’ mental health and life if the allegations were published, but concluded that an injunction was not justified in the circumstances, including the significant public interest and the rights of the publishers and those who had spoken to them.
The judgment was not a trial of the allegations. The judge did not decide whether any alleged sexual misconduct had occurred. Walliams did not appeal by the 9 November deadline, according to the publishers’ reporting. Read the legal explanation.
What happened with his publisher?
In December 2025, HarperCollins said it would no longer publish new titles by Walliams. Reports at the time linked the decision to concerns about alleged inappropriate behaviour towards female staff. His spokesperson said he had not been informed of allegations or given an opportunity to respond and strongly denied inappropriate behaviour. The publisher’s decision is separate from the High Court’s decision on the injunction. Fish 4 News previously reported the decision in David Walliams Dropped by HarperCollins After Renewed Backlash. ITV News reported the publisher’s statement and Walliams’ response.
What we know and what remains unproven
- Confirmed: Walliams was the claimant in the injunction proceedings, and the High Court refused his application.
- Reported allegations: Multiple women have made allegations of inappropriate or exploitative behaviour, including alleged grooming. Walliams denies wrongdoing.
- Not established: The High Court did not decide the truth of those allegations. Its refusal of an injunction must not be presented as a finding of guilt.
- Privacy: Separate reporting restrictions protecting other individuals in the proceedings should continue to be respected.
