A spokesperson for HarperCollins said the decision was taken “after careful consideration, and under the leadership of its new CEO,” but did not confirm the specific reasons behind the move. The Telegraph reported that the decision followed an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards young women, although HarperCollins declined to comment on internal matters.
Walliams’ spokesperson said the author had never been informed of any allegations by his publisher and was not involved in any investigation. “He was not party to any investigation or given any opportunity to answer questions,” the statement said. “David strongly denies that he has behaved inappropriately and is taking legal advice.”
HarperCollins said it takes employee wellbeing extremely seriously and has processes in place to report and investigate concerns, adding that it does not comment on internal issues to protect individual privacy.
Walliams is one of the UK’s most successful children’s authors, with more than 60 million books sold worldwide in 55 languages. HarperCollins published his first children’s book, The Boy in the Dress, in 2008, and went on to release more than 40 titles by him. Several of his books, including Gangsta Granny, Billionaire Boy, Mr Stink and The Boy in the Dress, have been adapted into television films. His most recent book, Santa & Son, was published in October.
Two of his adaptations, Mr Stink and The Boy in the Dress, are scheduled to be broadcast on CBBC on Sunday. Walliams is also due to appear on the comedy panel show Would I Lie to You? on Boxing Day. The BBC said it is not making changes to its festive schedules but confirmed it has no future projects directly involving Walliams.
Walliams first became famous through the TV sketch show Little Britain and later won National Television Awards for his role as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent. He was awarded an OBE in 2017 for services to charity and the arts.
In recent years, he has faced several controversies. This summer, he was criticised after appearing to make two Nazi salutes during a recording of Would I Lie to You?. In 2022, he apologised for making what he described as “disrespectful comments” about two Britain’s Got Talent contestants during a break in filming. He left the show that year and later sued the production company over the leak of the remarks, reaching a settlement in 2023.
HarperCollins UK appointed Kate Elton as its new chief executive in October.
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