David Walliams investigated by UK police over sex offense allegations

British police have launched a formal investigation into children’s author and television personality David Walliams following a wave of misconduct allegations that have triggered sweeping industry fallout and widespread public scrutiny.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that detectives are examining complaints involving a man in his fifties after multiple women came forward with accusations of non-recent sexual offenses. According to the force, these newly lodged police complaints are separate from the initial claims published by ITV News and The Guardian. However, investigators are also proactively reviewing the journalistic reports for any evidence of additional crimes.

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Detective Superintendent Mike Cagney encouraged potential victims to speak with authorities. We would encourage anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence to come forward and speak to us, no matter when it happened, Cagney said, adding that specialist officers are available to guide complainants through the process.

The criminal inquiry follows a joint three-year investigation published by ITV News and the Guardian newspaper, which involved speaking to more than 100 people. Several women alleged that Walliams used his fame to groom and prey upon teenage fans and young women, with one alleging a sexual assault at his London home when she was 15 years old. Additional accounts described unwanted physical touching, emotional manipulation, and inappropriate workplace behavior during his time connected to various media organizations.

Before the allegations became public, Walliams launched an unsuccessful legal battle in the High Court to secure an injunction that would have prevented news organizations from identifying him. His legal team argued that publication would likely lead him to take his own life, citing prior suicide attempts and mental health struggles. Justice Matthew Nicklin rejected the injunction request, ruling that such a legal measure would amount to an exceptionally serious interference with media freedom, and determined that safeguarding a person's safety rests with mental health services rather than press suppression.

Walliams has consistently denied any criminal wrongdoing. In a letter to journalists, he stated that he had not broken any laws and rejected the label of a sexual predator.

"I am not a sexual predator. I have not broken the law, but I am devastated that some of the women I met 10 to 20 years ago have now expressed hurt or anger towards me. Whilst a power imbalance is inevitable when one party is famous, abusing that power is something else entirely and it is something that I never did."

David Walliams, via ITV and The Guardian

The entertainer added that looking back, he realized he behaved thoughtlessly toward people with whom he had casual sexual relationships and regretted not properly considering their feelings.

The fallout across the entertainment and publishing sectors has been swift. Broadcasters, distributors, and corporate partners have severed ties with the former Little Britain star, removing his work from platforms and canceling upcoming projects.

The disclosures regarding Walliams emerged closely on the heels of other high-profile legal reckonings in the United Kingdom, drawing widespread public comparisons and national soul-searching regarding how the entertainment industry handles celebrity misconduct. Observers have linked the climate of accountability to recent judicial outcomes for other prominent figures, such as Russell Brand.

As the Metropolitan Police continue gathering evidence and supporting complainants, further developments are expected regarding whether prosecutors will bring formal charges against Walliams. Readers seeking broader international developments can review World coverage on recent security arrests and parliamentary oversight battles.