Author Claims She Was Warned About David Walliams Behavior Years Ago
Author Chloe Combi reveals she was warned to avoid booking David Walliams for schools due to long-standing industry conduct concerns.
POLICY WIRE — London, UK — Author Chloe Combi has disclosed that she encountered rumors regarding David Walliams’s conduct within the publishing world over a decade ago.
Speaking with BBC News, Combi stated she heard allegations concerning the comedian’s interactions with young female employees. She noted that in 2015, she was explicitly advised to warn schools that Walliams was not an appropriate choice for educational bookings.
A recent joint investigation by The Guardian and ITV News brought forward several women who accused Walliams of sexual misconduct, inappropriate behavior, and the abuse of power—claims the comedian firmly denies.
HarperCollins, the publisher behind Walliams’s successful children’s series, severed ties with the author last year following an internal inquiry into his actions.
In a statement regarding the reports, a HarperCollins spokesperson confirmed the firm opted not to release further works by Walliams, emphasizing that the company prioritizes the wellbeing of its staff.
Walliams told to both ITV News and The Guardian that he is not a sexual predator and has not violated any laws.
Combi recalled that she was receiving invitations to book launches during the promotion of her own work. At that time, she was managing a program designed to bring influential writers and speakers into schools.
During an event in 2015, Combi met with a high-ranking publishing executive who cautioned her against the comedian while discussing potential speakers for her project.
Combi recounted the executive telling her never to invite Walliams and requested she inform teachers and principals that he was not a suitable booking for a school.
Combi added that when she asked for a reason, she was already aware of various rumors due to the tight-knit nature of those professional circles.
The executive specifically mentioned there were genuine worries regarding how Walliams treated young female staff members.
When asked if these issues were considered an open secret, Combi confirmed they were, noting accounts from colleagues in publishing, fellow authors, and individuals in television and celebrity circles.
Combi clarified she never met Walliams personally and that her information originated from multiple sources she spoke with.
In September, HarperCollins announced it would cease publishing Walliams’s entire back catalogue.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
