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David Walliams identified after failing to block reports of abuse allegations
Developing story first seen 1 hour ago
David Walliams has been named as the celebrity who tried to stop media reports of allegations that he sexually abused and groomed teenage girls. A High Court judge rejected his bid for an injunction last week, and Walliams did not appeal before Monday’s deadline, allowing ITV News and The Guardian to identify him on Tuesday.
Two women describe alleged incidents that began when they were 15; one says Walliams assaulted her at his home when he was 36, while the other says their sexual relationship began when she was 17. Walliams denies being a sexual predator or breaking the law, but says he sometimes behaved thoughtlessly in casual relationships and regrets not taking people’s feelings into account. The article says multiple women have made allegations, and that HarperCollins dropped him 11 months ago following separate allegations of harassment.
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In short
- Walliams was named after his attempt to block reporting failed.
- Two women describe allegations dating back to when they were teenagers.
- He denies abuse and says he regrets past thoughtless behaviour.
How this story developed
- 4 minutes ago New court details showed that ITN and The Guardian had interviewed more than 100 people, including 30 with first-hand accounts, while Walliams argued publication could prompt him to take his own life; a psychiatrist said his mood disorder was treatable, and the judge had refused to block the reporting.
- 11 minutes ago David Walliams was named as the celebrity accused by two women of sexually abusing or grooming them as teenagers, allegations he denies; he says he regrets sometimes acting thoughtlessly in casual relationships, and HarperCollins had dropped him the previous year over separate harassment claims.
- Daily Mail David Walliams live updates: Comedian named as celebrity who lost injunction bid – as he says 'I am not a sexual predator'
- Daily Mail David Walliams identified after failing to block reports of abuse allegations
- The Star (Sheffield) David Walliams named as celebrity who used injunction to block story
Full account
David Walliams has been named as the celebrity who unsuccessfully sought a High Court injunction to prevent ITV News and The Guardian from publishing allegations of sexual misconduct. The former Britain’s Got Talent judge and children’s author denies abusing his fame in his relationships with women. The allegations have not been tested in a criminal court.
The reports describe allegations from multiple women, including claims that Walliams contacted some of them when they were teenagers. One woman, identified as Jade, alleges that Walliams contacted her online and sexually assaulted her when she was 15. She says they met in Soho before going to his home, where she told him to stop when he touched her sexually. Walliams was 36 at the time, according to the first report. Jade describes what she says happened as assault and grooming.
Another woman, identified as Alex, alleges that Walliams began contacting her when she was 15, after they met at a Little Britain fan event. She says they later began a sexual relationship when she was 17. These accounts form part of wider allegations that Walliams used his celebrity status to pursue inappropriate or exploitative relationships. They remain allegations, and Walliams rejects the claim that he abused his position.
In a statement reported by ITV News and The Guardian, Walliams acknowledged that he had sometimes behaved thoughtlessly in casual sexual relationships and had failed to consider other people’s feelings properly. He said he regretted that behaviour, but denied exploiting the imbalance of power that can exist when one person is famous. He also denied being a sexual predator.
Walliams sought to stop publication on the grounds that reporting the allegations would put his life at risk. His lawyers told the High Court that he had attempted suicide after receiving requests for comment from the news organisations. They attributed his distress to longstanding trauma and fear of being judged through media coverage, and said his mental health concerns were genuine. The second report says Walliams was detained under the Mental Health Act in October.
Mr Justice Nicklin refused the injunction. According to the second report, he found that preventing publication would be an exceptionally serious restriction on freedom of expression. He also concluded that an injunction would neither treat Walliams’ psychiatric condition nor remove the risk to his life. The care available from hospitals and health professionals, he said, provided significant protection. Walliams did not appeal before the deadline reported on Monday, allowing the outlets to name him on Tuesday.
Where outlets differ
From the full account, which is AI-written from the sources:
The first report concentrates on the women’s accounts, giving detailed descriptions of Jade’s and Alex’s allegations and Walliams’ response. The second concentrates on the injunction proceedings, including the judge’s reasoning, the evidence presented about Walliams’ mental health and the news organisations’ account of their investigation. It also gives more background on his career and recent commercial relationships.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The public has a strong interest in hearing credible reporting about alleged sexual abuse, particularly where journalists say they have gathered numerous first-hand accounts. Preventing publication before it is tested in public would restrict freedom of expression and could make it harder for others to report abuse or scrutinise powerful people.
The case against
A person facing serious allegations has a legitimate interest in privacy, reputation and a fair chance to respond, especially before claims have been tested in court. If publication poses a substantial risk to someone’s life or health, a temporary restriction may be argued to protect them while allowing the claims to be examined through less harmful means.
Explained simply
David Walliams is a British comedian, actor and children’s author, known for television work including Little Britain and Britain’s Got Talent. He has also published many children’s books.
The allegations reported by ITN and The Guardian concern claims of sexual abuse, which Walliams denies. The outlets said their investigation included interviews with more than 100 people, including 30 who gave first-hand accounts.
The case raises questions about how courts balance a person’s privacy and reputation with the public interest in reporting serious allegations. It follows HarperCollins ending its publishing relationship with Walliams after separate claims of harassment involving junior female employees.
Coverage · 3 sources
Bias meters
From 2 rated sources, 1 unrated.
- Daily MailRightDavid Walliams identified after failing to block reports of abuse allegations
- Daily MailRightDavid Walliams live updates: Comedian named as celebrity who lost injunction bid – as he says 'I am not a sexual predator'
- The Star (Sheffield)David Walliams named as celebrity who used injunction to block story
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Daily Mail as “David Walliams is named as celebrity who tried to block reporting of sex abuse claims against him”.