Guardian Accuses David Walliams of Grooming Fans as Young as 15

David Walliams has been accused of "grooming fans" and "harassing" women, in a joint investigation by the Guardian and ITV News published after the comedian failed to secure an injunction at the London High Court.

The Guardian reports that the comedian and former "Britain's Got Talent" judge "is alleged to have groomed fans he met when they were as young as 15 and harassed women in the workplace over a number of years." Walliams denies the allegations.

What does the investigation allege?

The report describes Walliams as "predatory" and "pushy," alleging he repeatedly contacted young women through social media or modelling agencies, then invited them to his home or his "Britain's Got Talent" dressing room. One woman, who became friendly with Walliams after he contacted her, said he would "constantly pester her for sex."

The investigation also alleges that Walliams messaged "young female runners" who worked on his productions, along with staff at his publisher, HarperCollins. Walliams has denied any wrongdoing, including any allegations of sexual harassment or inappropriate behaviour.

How did the injunction fail?

Earlier this month, BBC News revealed that an anonymous celebrity had asked the London High Court to block ITN and the Guardian from publishing a story alleging he had abused his power to engage in "inappropriate sexual activities with a large number of girls and young women." The court refused the application. The publications followed.

The source data records two further details from the hearing. Walliams told the court that if the injunction failed and the stories ran, it was "highly likely" he would attempt to commit suicide. His lawyer told the court he had already attempted to do so twice before.

What is Walliams' track record of allegations?

This is not his first brush with the Guardian's investigations desk.

• In 2022, the paper reported that Walliams had made sexually explicit and derogatory comments about "Britain's Got Talent" contestants. The revelations ended his run on the show.
• He later sued Fremantle, the show's producer, over data protection. The parties settled out of court.
• In 2025, HarperCollins ended its publishing contract with Walliams after an internal investigation into alleged inappropriate behaviour and harassment toward junior female staff. Earlier this year, the publisher said it would no longer sell or reprint his back catalogue of children's books.

Walliams is best known for the sketch series "Little Britain," his long stint as a judge on "Britain's Got Talent" and a string of bestselling children's books — the latter now quietly disappearing from sale.

Variety has contacted Walliams' lawyers for comment. Whether further claimants come forward, or HarperCollins faces questions of its own about what its internal investigation found, will shape the next chapter of a story the courts have now allowed into the open.

By Daniel Okafor