The bestselling author has denied the allegations after the publisher cut ties.

David Walliams has been dropped by his long-time publisher (Image: Getty)

David Walliams has been dropped by publisher HarperCollins after claims emerged that he allegedly harassed junior female employees. The children’s author, 54, will not have any new titles published by the company following what it described as “careful consideration” under new leadership. The former Britain’s Got Talent judge faced accusations that he had “harassed” junior female employees at the publishing house, according to The Telegraph. One woman who raised concerns ultimately left the business after agreeing a settlement that included a five-figure payout.

Walliams has strongly denied the allegations. In a statement released on his behalf, a spokesperson told PA: “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 news comes after upheaval at the top of the company. HarperCollins’ former chief executive Charlie Redmayne stepped down suddenly in October, with Kate Elton taking over as interim boss. It is understood Walliams was not aware an investigation had been taking place and was not presented with its findings. A spokesman for HarperCollins confirmed the decision, saying: “After careful consideration, and under the leadership of its new CEO, HarperCollins UK has decided not to publish any new titles by David Walliams. The author is aware of this decision.

Celebrity news and gossip plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

In 2019, it was estimated he and his publisher had sold £100m worth of books. (Image: Getty)

“HarperCollins takes employee wellbeing extremely seriously and has processes in place for reporting and investigating concerns. To respect the privacy of individuals we do not comment on internal matters.”

Walliams first rose to fame more than 20 years ago through Little Britain, before reinventing himself as a children’s author in 2008.

Since then, he has written more than 40 books and short story collections, with sales topping 60 million copies. In 2019, it was estimated he and his publisher had sold £100m worth of books.

His titles are used widely in schools, translated into 55 languages and adapted for television by the BBC.

At his commercial peak, industry figures suggested he accounted for 44 per cent of HarperCollins’ UK children’s sales in 2018.

However, his television career has already stalled. Walliams left Britain’s Got Talent after a leaked transcript revealed he had made obscene comments about contestants during auditions at the London Palladium in early 2020.

At the time, Walliams apologised, saying he wanted to apologise for the “disrespectful comments” and insisting they were part of a private conversation that was “never intended to be shared”.

Behind the scenes at HarperCollins, concerns were also mounting. In 2023, a junior employee raised issues about Walliams’ conduct, triggering a formal investigation involving interviews with staff and at least one in-house lawyer.

The inquiry concluded in 2024, with measures reportedly put in place to keep some junior employees away from the author. Former staff said they were advised to meet him only in pairs and not to visit his home.

Walliams’ popularity has also dipped. According to The Bookseller, his sales fell by more than 60 per cent over the summer, amid criticism that some of his work included “harmful stereotypes”.

In later editions of The World’s Worst Children, HarperCollins removed a character following claims of casual racism.