David Walliams, UK Celebrity, Is Accused of Sexual Misconduct

Live updates

1. 50m ago

   UK Celebrity David Walliams Faces Sexual Misconduct Allegations

   British celebrity and children's author David Walliams faces serious allegations of sexual misconduct and grooming girls as young as 15. The Metropolitan Police have launched a formal investigation into the comedian following separate allegations of serious sexual offences reported to the force. These police claims are distinct from accusations made by multiple women in investigations published by ITV and the Guardian. In response to the growing scandal, German publishing house Fischer Sauerländer halted the distribution of books by the British author, and fellow comedian Jonathan Ross expressed horror regarding the allegations.

   Why it matters

   The allegations place Walliams at the center of a broader industry reckoning over sexual misconduct involving leading UK comics. His inclusion in this wave of scrutiny damages his standing as a prominent children's author and media personality. Publishing and broadcast partners face immediate pressure to distance themselves from his work.

   What is confirmed

   • British celebrity and children's author David Walliams has been accused of sexual misconduct and grooming girls as young as 15.
   • The Metropolitan Police launched a probe into Walliams over alleged serious sexual offences.
   • The police force received allegations against Walliams that are separate from those reported by ITV and the Guardian.
   • German publishing house Fischer Sauerländer halted distribution of books by David Walliams amid the allegations.
   • Jonathan Ross stated he was horrified by the allegations against Walliams.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Walliams engaged in grooming girls as young as 15.

   What to watch next

   • Further updates from the Metropolitan Police investigation
   • Additional publishing or broadcast partners announcing suspensions or cancellations
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. The New York Times — David Walliams, UK Celebrity, Is Accused of Sexual Misconduct
   2. BBC — Jonathan Ross 'horrified' by Walliams allegations and Brand conviction
   3. The Guardian — David Walliams: Power and Silence review – some of this footage will make your head spin
   4. Yahoo — Who is David Walliams? U.K. children's author named as celebrity accused of grooming girls as young as 15
   5. AP News — Walliams and Brand were leading UK comics. Now they are part of a reckoning over sexual misconduct
   6. www.dailyrecord.co.uk — Met Police launch probe into David Walliams over alleged 'serious sexual offences'
   7. www.theguardian.com — Police launch investigation into David Walliams over alleged serious sexual offences
   8. www.yahoo.com — German publisher halts delivery of books by accused UK comic Walliams
   confidence 90%