David Walliams named in sexual misconduct allegations after losing court bid to remain anonymous
British comedian and children's author David Walliams has been identified as the celebrity at the centre of sexual misconduct allegations after losing a legal bid to prevent media organisations from publishing his name.
The 55-year-old had sought an injunction against Independent Television News (ITN) and Guardian News and Media (GNM), which had been investigating claims by multiple women that he used his fame and status to groom them for sex.
According to reports by The Guardian and ITN, two of the women, now in their 30s, said they first met Walliams when they were 15. Other women, including young models and fans, alleged that he contacted them on social media when they were between 17 and 22. The organisations also spoke to people who claimed to have witnessed or experienced inappropriate conduct towards women in the workplace.
The allegations reportedly span decades, from his time on BBC sketch comedy shows to his stint as a judge on Britain's Got Talent. Walliams has denied being a sexual predator and insisted that he did not abuse his position or break the law.
In a statement, he acknowledged that he had sometimes behaved thoughtlessly in his casual sexual relationships but said he was devastated that some women he met 10 to 20 years ago had expressed hurt or anger towards him.
Walliams had argued in court that revealing his identity could lead him to attempt to take his own life, saying he had made two previous attempts and had been hospitalised. His lawyer told the court that he was not well enough to decide whether to appeal the ruling.
However, on November 3, High Court judge Mr Justice Nicklin dismissed his application for an injunction, ruling that the media organisations could identify him. An interim order had initially protected his anonymity while his legal team considered an appeal.
The allegations also follow HarperCollins' decision last year to end its relationship with Walliams and drop his book back catalogue after an internal investigation into claims of inappropriate behaviour towards young female employees. The Guardian also reported that he had a sexual relationship with a junior member of staff at the publishing company.
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