HarperCollins Drops Walliams as Publisher; Author Denies Allegations

On Friday, HarperCollins UK announced it will not publish any new titles by David Walliams, the best-selling British children's author and former judge on Britain’s Got Talent. The decision, made under the leadership of the publisher’s new chief executive, was communicated to Walliams and to the trade as part of an ongoing review of publishing and personnel matters. The author was informed of the decision and, according to his representatives, has not been told of any allegations against him by HarperCollins. Walliams denies any inappropriate conduct and said he is pursuing legal advice. The publisher declined to comment further on internal matters, citing a respect for the privacy of individuals and confirming it has processes to report and investigate concerns related to staff wellbeing.

Walliams has published more than 40 children’s books since rising to prominence and has sold more than 60 million copies worldwide, according to his public profile. Several titles, including Gangsta Granny, have been adapted for BBC television and stage productions, underscoring his lasting influence in the sector. Walliams became a familiar presence on British television as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent, but stepped down in 2022 after apologizing for remarks deemed disrespectful toward auditioning contestants. The departure ended his long-running role on the show, though he continued to write and perform in other venues.

The publication decision comes as HarperCollins seeks to reposition itself under the leadership of its new chief executive, with the company emphasizing its commitment to a safe and respectful working environment. The firm said it would not discuss private personnel matters but reaffirmed that it maintains robust processes for reporting and investigating concerns related to staff wellbeing. A Walliams spokesperson reiterated that the author has not faced any allegations in connection with HarperCollins and indicated he would pursue all available remedies to clear his name.

Industry observers note that Walliams remains a prominent figure in children’s literature, though recent developments have highlighted the complexities of managing public figures during times of controversy. The decision to pause new publications from Walliams does not automatically affect existing titles that are in print or in development, though future status could be influenced by ongoing assessments. Analysts say the case reflects broader tensions in publishing between safeguarding employee welfare and preserving a catalog of well-known authors when concerns arise.

Walliams rose to fame with high sales figures and a long-running association with BBC adaptation projects, producing works that resonated with families, teachers, and readers alike. His books are widely used in schools and libraries, and his public profile has intersected with conversations about youth entertainment and the responsibilities of content creators. The current disclosures begin with HarperCollins’ non-publication decision, followed by Walliams’ denial of any wrongdoing and his plan to pursue legal options if necessary, while the publishing industry continues to monitor how such cases are handled and what they mean for author collaborations and future projects.