UK Comedian David Walliams Denies Sexual Predator Allegations Following Guardian Report
David Walliams responds to Guardian allegations of grooming and workplace harassment, denying he is a sexual predator while expressing regret for past behavior.
POLICY WIRE — London, UK — Comedian, author, and former judge on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ David Walliams has issued a formal denial against being labeled a sexual predator following an investigative report by The Guardian.
In an official statement released via the BBC, Walliams acknowledged that he may have acted thoughtlessly in past past individuals with whom he had casual sexual encounters.
>p>The entertainer expressed regret for failing to properly account for the feelings of those involved, stating it is something he now reflects on negatively.
Walliams clarified that while fame inherently creates an unavoidable imbalance in power, he maintains that he never abused such a position.
He explicitly stated that he is not a sexual predator and has not broken any laws, though he expressed devastation that several women he met 10 to 20 years ago are now voicing anger or hurt.
A joint investigation by The Guardian and ITN published on Tuesday, alleged that Walliams groomed fans as young as 15 and engaged in years of harassment against female colleagues in the workplace.
The report claimed the comedian was ‘predatory’ and ‘pushy,’ frequently reaching out to young women through modeling agencies or social media to invite them to his private residence or his ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ dressing room.
One woman who developed a friendship with the performer claimed he would constantly pester her for sexual favors.
The investigation further alleged that Walliams sent messages to female runners on his productions and employees at his publisher, HarperCollins.
Walliams has rejected all claims of wrongdoing, specifically denying any instances of sexual harassment or inappropriate conduct.
Earlier this month, it was reported that an anonymous celebrity sought a court injunction at the London High Court to block ITN and The Guardian from publishing details regarding alleged abuses of power and inappropriate sexual activities with many girls and young women.
The court denied the injunction, allowing the news organizations to proceed with their publication.
Walliams told judges that if the stories were released, it was highly likely he would attempt to take his life, a claim his lawyer supported by stating he had made two previous attempts.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
