HarperCollins Drops David Walliams After Investigation Into Alleged Harassment of Junior Staff

HarperCollins UK announced it will not publish any new books by comedian and children's author David Walliams after an internal probe into complaints about his conduct toward junior staff.

“Best-selling children's author David Walliams has been dropped by his publisher, following a British newspaper report of an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards junior employees”

1News

Multiple outlets reported the decision was made under its new CEO following an inquiry first reported by The Telegraph.

1News

The publisher said it takes employee wellbeing seriously but declined to comment on internal matters.

Coverage across titles noted the move to stop releasing new books while emphasising the change in leadership as part of the context for the decision.

Reports say the inquiry began after a junior HarperCollins employee raised concerns in 2023.

Outlets describe a year-long internal investigation that involved staff interviews and at least one in-house lawyer, concluding in 2024.

BBC

Several sources detail workplace precautions put in place during the probe, saying staff were told to meet Walliams in pairs and to avoid visiting his home.

They also report that at least one complainant left the publisher after receiving a reported five-figure settlement.

Walliams and his representatives have strongly denied the allegations in every account that quotes them.

“David Walliamshas been dropped by publisher HarperCollins after claims emerged that he allegedlyharassedjunior female employees”

Daily Express

Multiple outlets record identical denials that he 'strongly denies' wrongdoing.

They also report that he says he was not informed of any complaints, was not part of any investigation, and is taking legal advice.

That account of Walliams' response is widely reported by mainstream and local outlets.

However, at least one source says the author was informed of HarperCollins' decision rather than being kept unaware.

Reporting places the story within a wider context of reputational hits for Walliams and commercial shifts for HarperCollins.

Several pieces note his long career as a comedian and bestselling children's author, citing more than 40 books and over 60 million copies sold.

Daily Mail

They also point to prior controversies, including leaked Britain’s Got Talent transcripts, past offensive sketches and criticism that some characters in his books contained harmful stereotypes.

Some tabloid sources emphasise the financial dimension, citing his past share of HarperCollins’ UK children’s sales and reported recent steep falls in sales.

HarperCollins has repeatedly declined to comment on internal matters, saying it has processes for reporting and investigating concerns and that its decision followed careful consideration under new leadership and reflected a commitment to employee wellbeing.

“ComedianDavid Walliamshas hit back at claims he engaged in inappropriate behaviour with young women at his former publisher HarperCollins”

Daily Record

Walliams is reported to be seeking legal advice and, according to several sources, denies being informed of allegations or given an opportunity to respond.

Daily Record