David Walliams, Britain’s bestselling children’s author and comedian, has been dropped by his longtime publisher HarperCollins UK after an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards young women. The 54-year-old author faces a dramatic shift in his career following inquiries that began in 2023 after an employee raised concerns at the publisher.
🔥 Quick Facts
- HarperCollins UK will not publish any new books by David Walliams moving forward
- Investigation began in 2023 after a junior employee raised concerns about his conduct
- One woman received a five-figure payoff from the publisher and left the organization
- Walliams’ sales have dropped more than 60 percent since summer 2025 according to industry reports
The Telegraph Investigation Exposes Misconduct Claims
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The Telegraph’s exclusive investigation uncovered allegations that David Walliams had “harassed” junior female staff at HarperCollins. According to the investigation, employees were told to work in “pairs” when meeting with the author and were advised not to visit his home.
The publisher confirmed that Kate Elton, who took over as CEO in October, made the decision to drop Walliams. HarperCollins released a statement saying the decision was made “after careful consideration” under Elton’s leadership, emphasizing that the company “takes employee wellbeing extremely seriously.”
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Before this scandal, David Walliams had been one of Britain’s most dominant literary figures. His books have sold over 60 million copies worldwide across 55 languages, making him an absolute juggernaut in children’s publishing.
In 2018, Walliams was responsible for a staggering 44 percent of HarperCollins UK’s entire children’s sales division. His books, including Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, launched him from television fame to literary superstardom. However, recent years have seen his commercial dominance erode significantly.
| Milestone | Achievement |
| Books Sold Globally | Over 60 million copies |
| Languages Translated | 55 languages |
| 2018 Sales Share | 44% of HarperCollins UK children’s sales |
| 2025 Summer Sales Change | Down more than 60% |
A Career Already Damaged by Previous Controversies
This latest development arrives as Walliams’ public reputation had already suffered significant damage. In 2022, leaked transcripts revealed he had made crude and offensive remarks about Britain’s Got Talent contestants during filming breaks.
The 54-year-old had referred to one contestant using vulgar language and made inappropriate sexual comments about others. Following the backlash, he left his role as a judge on the talent show in 2023. His television career had essentially stalled before this new investigation became public.
What the Investigation Revealed Behind Closed Doors
According to The Telegraph’s findings, multiple employees at HarperCollins were interviewed as part of the formal inquiry, which concluded in 2024. The investigation included in-house legal representation and revealed serious workplace concerns.
Staff who worked with Walliams reported being instructed to maintain specific protocols around him. A junior female employee who raised initial concerns ultimately left HarperCollins after reaching a settlement that included a substantial five-figure payment. The company took steps to ensure Walliams and certain staff members would be kept apart going forward.
“After careful consideration, and under the leadership of its new CEO, HarperCollins UK has decided not to publish any new titles by David Walliams. HarperCollins takes employee wellbeing extremely seriously and has processes in place for reporting and investigating concerns.”
— HarperCollins UK, Official Statement
What Comes Next for Britain’s Former Books Superstar?
The decision to drop Walliams marks a definitive end to one of modern publishing’s most lucrative relationships. With his television career already sidelined and now his publishing contracts terminated, the author faces significant professional challenges ahead.
Walliams, who was made an OBE in 2017 for his services to charity and the arts, has had his latest book Santa & Son already published. However, no future titles from him will be released by HarperCollins, fundamentally altering the landscape of British children’s literature moving forward.
Sources
- The Telegraph – Exclusive investigation into David Walliams’ workplace conduct
- BBC News – Official confirmation of HarperCollins’ decision to drop the author
- The Bookseller – Industry analysis and sales figures
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