David Walliams once looked like a British entertainment success story written in bold type. From playing outrageous characters on Little Britain to becoming one of the world’s best-selling children’s authors and a familiar face on television talent shows, his profile spanned decades and audiences of all ages.
But in 2025, that trajectory has taken a dramatic turn. Walliams – once embraced by publishers and broadcasters alike – has been dropped by his longtime publisher, HarperCollins UK, amid accusations of inappropriate behaviour toward young female staff members. The decision marks a stark shift in how the public and the industry view the comedian and writer.
A Comedic Breakthrough
Walliams first gained public attention in the early 2000s as co-creator and star of the sketch comedy hit Little Britain, alongside Matt Lucas. The show became a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its broad characters and memorable catchphrases, though it was later criticised – and partly pulled from streaming platforms – for racially insensitive portrayals and outdated stereotypes.
His transition from sketch comedy into children’s literature seemed to redefine his career. Beginning in 2008, Walliams published a steady stream of whimsical and bestselling titles, selling millions of copies worldwide and earning himself recognition as one of the most commercially successful children’s authors of his era.
Television and Public Persona
Walliams’ TV presence expanded further when he joined the judging panel of Britain’s Got Talent in 2012. For a decade he sat alongside Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and others, offering commentary that was sometimes warm, sometimes sharp – helping the show maintain its status as a major entertainment fixture.
But in 2022, Walliams’ time on Britain’s Got Talent effectively ended after recordings from 2020 surfaced in which he made sexually explicit and derogatory comments about contestants during breaks in filming. Although he apologised, the incident sparked a broader conversation about his conduct on set and contributed to his departure from the show.
Books and Controversies Within Publishing
While his children’s books continued to sell well – with HarperCollins UK reporting tens of millions of copies sold across dozens of titles – Walliams’ relationship with the publishing world has soured. Reports in December 2025 revealed that HarperCollins has decided not to publish any new titles by Walliams after an internal investigation into allegations that he behaved inappropriately toward junior female staff members.
According to media reports, one employee who raised concerns received a significant settlement, and colleagues were reportedly advised to work in pairs and avoid meeting him alone. The company said it takes staff wellbeing “extremely seriously” and that the decision was made under its new leadership. Walliams has denied wrongdoing and is said to be considering legal options.
Industry and Public Response
The developments mark a significant downturn in Walliams’ public standing. Once a multi-platform entertainer – from sketch comedy to family television and children’s literature – he now finds publishers distancing themselves and his television roles reduced. Critics argue the controversies reflect deeper questions about conduct, professionalism and the evolving expectations placed on public figures.
At the same time, some of Walliams’ supporters have urged caution, noting that the situation is still unfolding and whether further legal or professional developments will reshape public opinion remains to be seen.
What This Means for His Legacy
David Walliams’ story – from a breakthrough comedian to a bestselling author and TV judge – captures much of modern celebrity’s promise and peril. His work brought laughter to millions and became a staple for a generation of young readers. But the accumulation of controversies and recent decisions by industry partners highlight how swiftly reputations can shift in an era of heightened scrutiny and accountability.
As the HarperCollins split underlines, commercial success does not immunise a figure from professional consequences when serious workplace concerns arise. Whether Walliams will regain footing in publishing or television is uncertain – but for now, the tide has clearly turned.