UK Police Launch Investigation into David Walliams Over Serious Sexual Offense Allegations

British police have opened an investigation into comedian and author David Walliams following reports of “serious sexual offenses.”

The inquiry follows a series of allegations regarding the 55-year-old’s conduct, which have emerged through multiple media reports and police disclosures.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are investigating historical sexual offenses involving a man in his fifties, according to reporting by NOS. Authorities have encouraged potential victims to come forward, stating that specialized officers are available to support individuals throughout the process.

“We understand that reporting such allegations can be daunting, but there are specialist officers ready to support you, answer questions and guide you through the process,” the police said in a release cited by NOS. The police are also reviewing recent media reporting to determine if there is evidence of criminal activity.

These new reports are distinct from the allegations detailed earlier by The Guardian and ITV News, which investigated claims that Walliams used his celebrity status to pursue young women. Researchers for that investigation spoke with 30 sources, as noted by NOS. Walliams has denied the allegations and previously attempted to block the publication of these accounts through legal action, according to NOS.

Britain’s Got Talent and professional conduct

The current police investigation incorporates reports regarding Walliams’ behavior in professional settings, including his time on the talent show Britain’s Got Talent. Walliams was replaced as a judge on the program in 2022 after recordings surfaced of him making sexually explicit and derogatory remarks about participants during breaks in filming, as reported by NOS.

During these recordings, he described a participant as a “kutwijf” and remarked about another woman that “ze denkt dat je met haar wil neuken, maar dat wil je niet.” Furthermore, reports indicate he sought inappropriate contact with female production assistants behind the scenes of the show.

Further scrutiny has focused on the comedian’s interactions with younger women over several decades. In 2003, when Alex was 17, Walliams messaged her asking, “Hoe oud ben je nú?”. According to NRC, some publishing industry figures had reportedly implemented informal protocols requiring that women only meet with Walliams in pairs.

HarperCollins severed ties with Walliams

Walliams’ publisher, HarperCollins, severed ties with the author late last year, though the company did not disclose the specific reasons at the time, The Telegraph reported via NOS. During the spring, Walliams faced inquiries from journalists regarding these allegations.

According to NRC, Walliams later claimed that the prospect of public scrutiny triggered a “jeugdtrauma,” and he subsequently challenged the release of a documentary about his conduct while in a psychiatric facility.

Walliams denies sexual misconduct allegations

No, the police have said that the new reports they are investigating are separate from the accounts previously published by The Guardian and ITV News, though they are reviewing the media reports as part of their broader investigation, according to NOS.

Walliams has publicly denied the accusations of sexual misconduct. NRC reports that he previously pursued legal action to stop the publication of a documentary concerning his behavior, citing the impact of the allegations on his mental health.

Earlier coverage: Police Launch Criminal Probe Into David Walliams Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations

More on this story: David Walliams Investigated for Inappropriate Conduct With Teenagers · David Walliams Faces Allegations of Misconduct Towards Young Women

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