Full Breakdown
David Walliams Dropped from Waterstones Children's Book Festival Amid Allegations
12/22/2025, 8:02:57 PM
Core Event: Allegations Prompt Publisher and Festival Withdrawal
David Walliams, a prominent British author and comedian, has been removed from the lineup of the Waterstones Children's Book Festival scheduled for February 2026 in Dundee. This decision follows allegations of inappropriate behavior towards young women, which led his publisher, HarperCollins, to sever ties with him. A spokesperson for Waterstones confirmed that Walliams would no longer be appearing at the festival, stating, "HarperCollins have confirmed that David Walliams will no longer be appearing at our festival in Dundee."
Background & Context: HarperCollins Investigation
The allegations against Walliams reportedly stem from complaints made by junior female staff at HarperCollins UK, where it is claimed he harassed employees. One individual who raised concerns is said to have left the company after reaching a settlement that included a five-figure payout. Following an internal investigation, HarperCollins announced it would cease publishing new titles by Walliams, a decision made under the leadership of its new CEO. The publisher emphasized its commitment to employee wellbeing and the processes in place for addressing such concerns.
Official Statements & Responses
Walliams has strongly denied the allegations, asserting that he was never informed of any complaints against him and was not part of any investigation. His spokesperson stated, "David strongly denies that he has behaved inappropriately and is taking legal advice." HarperCollins, in its statement, reiterated its serious approach to employee wellbeing but declined to comment on specific internal matters to respect individual privacy.
Criticism & Opposition: Calls for Action
The BBC has faced pressure to reconsider airing Walliams' upcoming appearance on the Christmas special of the comedy panel show "Would I Lie to You?" A spokesperson confirmed that while the festive schedules would remain unchanged, there are no future projects involving Walliams. Some critics have suggested that airing the episode may not be prudent given the recent allegations, with one unnamed MP commenting, "Innocent until proven guilty. But with the BBC’s record for getting it wrong, it probably would be better being safe than sorry."
What's Next: Future Implications for Walliams
As the fallout continues, Walliams' future in the entertainment industry remains uncertain. Although he is still scheduled to appear in the Christmas special of "Would I Lie to You?" the controversy surrounding his behavior and past incidents, including making Nazi salutes during a recording, has raised significant concerns. Additionally, adaptations of his works, such as "Mr Stink" and "The Boy in the Dress," are still set to air on CBBC, but the long-term impact of these allegations on his career as an author and entertainer is yet to be determined.
Verbatim Quotes
- “David strongly denies that he has behaved inappropriately and is taking legal advice.” — Spokesperson for David Walliams
- “HarperCollins takes employee wellbeing extremely seriously and has processes in place for reporting and investigating concerns.” — HarperCollins spokesperson
- “While we're not making any changes to the festive schedules, we have no future projects directly involving David Walliams.” — BBC spokesperson
This situation highlights the complexities surrounding allegations of misconduct in the entertainment industry and their repercussions on individuals' careers.
