HarperCollins UK has decided not to publish any new titles by best-selling author and comedian David Walliams.
The decision to drop him was made following an investigation into allegations he had “harassed” young women.
A spokesperson for the publisher said: “After careful consideration, and under the leadership of its new CEO, HarperCollins UK has decided not to publish any new titles by David Walliams. The author is aware of this decision.”
They added: “HarperCollins takes employee wellbeing extremely seriously and has processes in place for reporting and investigating concerns. To respect the privacy of individuals, we do not comment on internal matters.”
Walliams is one of the UK’s most successful children’s authors, having sold more than 60 million copies worldwide in 55 languages.
His first children’s book, The Boy in the Dress, was published by HarperCollins in 2008.
Two of his books, Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, have been adapted into television films.
Walliams has published more than 40 books in total, including a Christmas book titled Santa & Son, which was published by HarperCollins in October.
Walliams became a household name following his starring role in the TV sketch series Little Britain.
He was also a judge on Britain’s Got Talent, but left the role in 2022 after he apologised for making “disrespectful comments” about auditioning contestants during filming breaks in January 2020 at the London Palladium.
In 2023, Britain’s Got Talent producer Fremantle apologised and said it had reached an “amicable resolution” with Walliams after the remarks he made while on the show were leaked.
Walliams has been approached for comment.
Source: Press Association