Met Police open formal probe into David Walliams over alleged sexual offenses

Key points

• Metropolitan Police confirmed they are investigating 'non-recent serious sexual offences' involving a man in his 50s, citing multiple allegations from women.
• ITV News and The Guardian reported that several women accused Walliams of grooming them when they were teenagers, with one alleging sexual assault at age 15.
• Walliams denied the allegations, stating he is not a sexual predator and has not broken the law, though he admitted to behaving 'thoughtlessly' in past casual relationships.
• The BBC removed 'Little Britain' and other Walliams-related content from its platforms, while publishers and retailers have dropped his books and upcoming film projects.
• The case has intensified scrutiny of power imbalances in the UK media industry, following the recent 10.5-year prison sentence for comedian Russell Brand.

Background

David Walliams is a prominent British figure known for co-creating the sketch comedy 'Little Britain' and authoring over 40 children’s books that have sold more than 60 million copies worldwide. He previously served as a judge on 'Britain’s Got Talent' until 2022. In late 2025, he was dropped by publisher HarperCollins following earlier concerns about inappropriate behavior, including an alleged sexual relationship with a junior employee. This current investigation follows a High Court ruling in early November 2026 that rejected his bid for an injunction to prevent the media from identifying him, despite his claims that publication could lead to suicide.

How outlets are covering it

The Metropolitan Police emphasized that the allegations they are investigating are separate from those reported by the media, but they are proactively reviewing the news stories for evidence of other crimes. The Guardian and ITV News highlighted the power imbalance between a famous celebrity and young fans, noting that Walliams had invited girls to his dressing room during his time on 'Britain’s Got Talent.' Conversely, Walliams acknowledged regret for not taking people’s feelings into account in casual relationships but firmly rejected any criminal conduct. The AP News framed the situation as a 'week of reckoning' for UK comedy, linking the Walliams allegations to the recent conviction of Russell Brand and questioning why such misconduct went unchecked for so long. The Guardian also reported on the commercial fallout, noting that while sales have dropped sharply, nearly 108,000 copies of his books were sold in 2026, with some retailers arguing that removing them now is a profit-driven move rather than an ethical one.

Why it matters

This case underscores the ongoing struggle to address sexual misconduct and power imbalances in the UK entertainment industry. It highlights the tension between public accountability and the protection of victims, as well as the commercial and cultural impact of high-profile scandals on children’s literature and television. The police investigation signals a potential shift in how authorities handle non-recent sexual offenses involving public figures, while the industry’s response reflects growing pressure to implement stricter safeguards against exploitation.

What to watch

The Metropolitan Police have encouraged potential victims to come forward, with specialist officers available to support them. The outcome of the investigation will determine whether criminal charges are brought against Walliams. Meanwhile, the entertainment and media industries are expected to face increased scrutiny from government officials, including culture secretary Lisa Nandy, who has called for more robust policies to protect women. The long-term impact on Walliams’ legacy and the UK comedy landscape will depend on the legal proceedings and the broader cultural response to these allegations.