London’s Metropolitan Police have opened an investigation into serious sexual offence allegations involving British comedian and children’s author David Walliams. The announcement comes after media reports published this week accused the 55-year-old of grooming and sexually abusing girls and young women. The police stated on Friday that they have received a number of allegations of "non-recent serious sexual offences" involving a man in his 50s.
The Metropolitan Police clarified that while they are reviewing the reports published by ITV News and The Guardian, the new allegations currently under investigation are separate from those detailed by the news outlets. Detective Superintendent Mike Cagney has urged anyone affected to come forward. The media reports, which resulted from a three-year investigation involving interviews with more than 100 people, included accusations of sexual misconduct dating back to 2003. One woman alleged that Walliams sexually assaulted her at his London home when she was 15, while others claimed he groomed them during their teenage years.
Walliams, known for his work on the comedy sketch shows Little Britain and Come Fly With Me, as well as his tenure as a judge on Britain's Got Talent, has denied all accusations. In a letter to the news organisations, he stated that while a power imbalance can exist due to fame, he never abused that power. "I am not a sexual predator," he wrote, adding, "I have not broken the law." The investigative reports were released following a failed bid by Walliams to obtain a High Court injunction to prevent the media outlets from naming him. Judge Matthew Nicklin had ruled that such an injunction would constitute an "exceptionally serious interference" with media rights.
The consequences of the allegations have extended to his professional career. The BBC has removed several shows featuring Walliams from its platforms, including all episodes of Little Britain. His literary agency, Independent Talent Group, announced they were no longer representing him "in any capacity." Additionally, his publisher, HarperCollins, had previously dropped the author last year following separate accusations of harassment toward female staff, which he also denied.
Key facts
- David Walliams, 55, faces multiple allegations of non-recent serious sexual offences.
- The Metropolitan Police confirmed they have received a series of complaints from the public.
- ITV News and The Guardian reported accusations of grooming and assault dating back to 2003.
- The BBC has removed content featuring Walliams, including the sketch show Little Britain.
- Independent Talent Group has ceased representing Walliams in any professional capacity.
Source: Al Jazeera, Hindustan Times
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