David Walliams Dropped by Publisher After Harassment Allegations

British author and television personality David Walliams has been dropped by HarperCollins UK following harassment allegations involving junior female employees.

HarperCollins said it will no longer publish new titles by Walliams, ending a commercially successful partnership that produced some of the UK’s bestselling works by a leading children’s author. The book publisher said the decision was taken after internal consideration and reflects its responsibility toward employee wellbeing, while declining to comment on specific details.

The move follows a Daily Telegraph report that an internal investigation examined complaints related to workplace conduct. According to the report, one employee received a five-figure settlement and later left the company. HarperCollins did not confirm the settlement but said it does not comment on internal processes or individual cases within the publishing industry.

• HarperCollins UK drops David Walliams after harassment allegations emerge
• Publisher ends partnership with bestselling author following internal probe
• David Walliams denies allegations as HarperCollins halts future book releases

Walliams, 54, is among Britain’s most commercially successful writers, with more than 60 million books sold worldwide. His titles have been translated into multiple languages and adapted for stage and screen. He is also widely known for his television career, including his role as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent.

Walliams did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters. Media reports quoting representatives for the author say he strongly denies the allegations, claims he was not informed of the investigation while it was ongoing, and is considering legal action. He has previously rejected claims of inappropriate behaviour.

The decision was taken under the leadership of Kate Elton, who became chief executive of HarperCollins UK in October. The company said it maintains formal mechanisms for staff to raise concerns and ensures due process in handling complaints.

Also Read: Bolsonaro Allowed Prison Exit for Surgery After Court Approval

HarperCollins UK is part of the global HarperCollins group, owned by News Corp. The publisher said it will continue to support existing books in circulation but will not commission or release future titles by Walliams.