Comedian and best-selling children's author David Walliams has been cut loose by his long-time publisher, HarperCollins UK, following serious allegations about his behaviour.
Publisher Severs Ties After Investigation
HarperCollins UK confirmed to the BBC that it will not publish any new titles by Walliams. The decision was made after careful consideration and coincides with a change in leadership at the publishing house. The move represents a significant rupture in a partnership that saw Walliams become one of the UK's most commercially successful children's authors, with global sales estimated at a staggering 60 million copies.
Allegations of Inappropriate Conduct
The publisher's dramatic action follows a report by The Telegraph which detailed allegations of inappropriate conduct by Walliams towards young women. According to the report, a complaint was made by a junior colleague, which prompted an internal investigation. The investigation reportedly led to former employees advising others against meeting Walliams alone or visiting his home.
While HarperCollins UK declined to comment on specific internal matters, it strongly emphasised its commitment to employee wellbeing. A statement highlighted the company's established processes for addressing concerns raised by staff.
Fallout for a Literary Giant
The decision to drop David Walliams marks a profound fall from grace for a figure who dominated the children's fiction market for years. His future in the literary world is now uncertain without the backing of one of the industry's largest publishing forces. The case underscores the increasing scrutiny on personal conduct within the publishing industry and corporate Britain at large.
The news was reported on Friday 19 December 2025, casting a shadow over what is typically a festive period for the book trade. The industry and the public now await any response from Walliams or his representatives regarding the allegations and his severed publishing deal.
