HarperCollins has ended its professional relationship with David Walliams, one of the UK’s best-selling children’s authors, following an investigation by the publisher into allegations of inappropriate behavior towards young women who worked with the writer.
According to … The editorial itself underlined it, the decision comes after several Employees have pointed the finger at Walliams for what they see as “harassment” in the work environment. One who raised her concerns with the company received five-figure financial compensation before leaving her position.
The investigation began last year, following reports from the Telegraph that HarperCollins was evaluating the writer’s conduct. They also add that Walliams was not formally informed of the process or its final decisions.
This announcement is not a surprise since it coincides with a period of internal changes at the publisher, marked by the sudden departure of its former CEO, Charlie Redmaynein October. Her position has since been filled by Kate Elton as interim director. In a statement, a HarperCollins spokesperson said:
“After careful consideration, and under the leadership of its new CEO, HarperCollins UK has decided not to publish any new titles from David Walliams. The author is informed of this decision. The company takes the well-being of its employees very seriously and has established procedures to respond to and investigate any concerns. “Out of respect for privacy, we do not comment on internal matters.”
David Walliams known for his television and literary fame
Walliams, initially known for his television fame in the comedy series “Little Britain”, has become a fixture in British children’s literature over the past decade, with more than 40 titles published, and sales of more than 60 million copies. In 2019, he and the publisher were estimated to have generated revenues of almost £100 million from his books, many of which were used in schools and adapted for television by the BBC.
The 54-year-old author’s media career had already suffered a major blow when was removed from the show “Britain’s Got Talent” in 2023 after recordings in which he made sexist comments were made public.
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