BBC says no future Walliams projects as HarperCollins cuts ties amid harassment claims

The BBC said Friday it has no plans for future projects with David Walliams and will not remove him from its Christmas schedule, even as HarperCollins cut ties with the author following an internal investigation into allegations of harassment and inappropriate behavior toward junior female staff. Walliams, a former Britain’s Got Talent judge and one of the UK’s most prolific children’s authors, has repeatedly denied the accusations.

HarperCollins announced it would no longer publish new titles by Walliams after what it described as a thorough internal review conducted under the leadership of its new UK chief executive, Kate Elton. The investigation, prompted by allegations that surfaced in 2023, involved interviews with colleagues who had worked with Walliams and included involvement by an in-house lawyer. One junior colleague was reportedly offered a five-figure payout and has since left the company. Walliams’ representatives said the author was not informed of any allegations by HarperCollins and denies any inappropriate conduct, adding that he is taking legal advice. HarperCollins stressed that its processes are designed to protect employee wellbeing and privacy.

The BBC’s stance comes as the corporation said it would not alter its festive schedule but has no plans to commission future projects involving Walliams. The broadcaster also indicated that content featuring Walliams would not be removed from its platforms, including iPlayer, where materials based on his work remain available. The BBC is still slated to broadcast two television adaptations from Walliams’ books and a Boxing Day festive edition of Would I Lie To You?, on which he appears as a panellist. The latter recording has drawn renewed scrutiny after Walliams performed two Nazi salutes during filming, an incident that has since been cited in discussions about the year’s controversy surrounding the performer.

Walliams’ camp has emphasized that he denies any wrongdoing and says he has not been informed of specific allegations by HarperCollins. A spokesperson said Walliams is pursuing legal avenues and maintained that the claims involved are untrue. The publisher, for its part, said it would not comment on internal matters beyond confirming its decision not to publish new titles and stressing its commitment to employee wellbeing.

Walliams’ career, which began in 2008, has yielded more than 40 books translated into 55 languages and selling more than 60 million copies. HarperCollins published his first children’s book, The Boy in the Dress, in 2008, and several titles have been adapted for television. While the author has remained a prominent figure in children’s publishing, a string of public scandals in recent years has seen him step back from much of the spotlight. Previous episodes, including controversial remarks during auditions for a televised program and a subsequent legal dispute over rights and privacy, have contributed to a shift in his relationship with industry partners and television networks. As this latest chapter unfolds, Walliams is publicly contesting the allegations, while major institutions reassess their involvement with him in the coming months.