British police opened a sex offense investigation into children’s author and television personality David Walliams on Friday following a joint media investigation. London’s Metropolitan Police announced the inquiry after receiving multiple allegations of past abuse.
The investigation follows a joint report published on Tuesday by ITV News and The Guardian newspaper. That reporting revealed accusations from 30 people who claimed Walliams used his celebrity status and power to prey on women and teenagers, including some who met him when they were 15 years old.
Walliams denied all allegations in a written statement sent to news outlets. “Whilst a power imbalance is inevitable when one party is famous, abusing that power is something else entirely and it is something that I never did,” Walliams said, according to NBC News. He added that he had not broken the law and was not a sexual predator.
Comedian Lucy Beaumont faces career fears
Comedian Lucy Beaumont revealed she intervened to support a junior TV worker who raised concerns about Walliams’ behavior. Beaumont stated she spoke to The Guardian and ITV News during their three-year joint investigation.
Beaumont admitted she feared the professional consequences of speaking out in an industry without a traditional human resources department.
“And honestly, I don’t think I’ll work in telly again, I honestly don’t,” she told Sky News.
Public reaction to her intervention generated a surge of support online. Her book “Drinking Custard: The Diary of a Confused Mum” sold out on Amazon in both hardback and paperback, while fans purchased tickets for her current comedy tour.
Industry fallout and upcoming projects dropped
Distributors and production companies severed ties with Walliams following the publication of the allegations. Producers of the upcoming film “Fing!” removed his cameo appearance and confirmed he would have no involvement in the film’s release or promotion.
U.K. distributor Sky dropped the movie from its slate.
Walliams previously stepped down as a judge on ITV’s “Britain’s Got Talent” in 2022 after apologizing for making derogatory remarks about contestants off-camera.
Det. Supt. Mike Cagney urged other potential victims to come forward. “We know reporting allegations of this nature can be daunting, but specialist officers are on hand to provide support, answer questions and guide you through the process,” Cagney said.