David Walliams, one of Britain’s best-known television personalities and top-selling children’s authors, has been accused of using his power and celebrity status to prey on young women and teenagers for sex.
The allegations, which span many years, were made in a joint investigation with ITV News into Walliams’ conduct towards young women.
After the Guardian approached him for comment in May, Walliams and his lawyers went to court to try to stop the allegations being published. The court dismissed the case.
Multiple women spoke out describing unwanted sexual advances from the comedy star when they were young or vulnerable.
Dozens of other people said they had concerns about Walliams’ conduct. Some were young models and fans, aged between 17 and 22 at the time, whom Walliams messaged out of the blue on social media. Others said they had experienced or witnessed inappropriate behaviour in the workplace.
Lawyers for Walliams said he denied the allegations.
