Author Chloe Combi has stated that she received warnings regarding David Walliams’s conduct within the publishing industry more than ten years ago. According to giving evidence to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Murray, He was “deeply saddened and also angry” to see the prevalence of abuse by men in the media industry. She said: “Yes, entirely, asked whether she recognised the picture Russell Brand’s conviction and allegations against Walliams had painted of the comedy industry.
According to Combi, she was cautioned by a senior industry figure during a 2015 event about his interactions with younger female staff and was explicitly advised to warn school administrators that he was not an appropriate guest for educational bookings.
According to she gave me some great recommendations and, To me: ‘Whatever you do, don’t invite David Walliams, and FYI if you are speaking to head teachers or teachers, please inform them that he’s not a good booking, not an appropriate booking for a school’. One woman alleges she met Walliams at a fan event when she was 15. Before going back to his house where he allegedly tried to lift up her shirt and commit an act that she now describes as a sexual assault, another woman alleges she met Walliams for a coffee when she was 15. A woman who worked as a model in her teens accused Walliams of grooming her. Abusing that power is something else entirely and it is something that I never did, and whilst a power imbalance is inevitable when one party is famous. Adding: “The thrill is in the contravention of consent, she told the programme that perpetrators understand consent but they just enjoy the power that comes with ignoring it. Having to make them feel attractive and avoid being assaulted as they influenced future employment opportuni, she described an industry where she was asked to meet male producers in darkly lit rooms “walking a tightrope”.
Combi told reporters that these concerns were widely circulated, describing them as an open secret among writers, television professionals, and those in the publishing sector. According to combi, She was getting invited to events such as book launches around the time one of her own books was being published, and was also running a scheme to bring “high-profile and inspiring writers and speakers” to talk in schools. We were talking about [the scheme] and possible writers who might be good for the project to work well with teenagers,” Combi said. And to be honest I had already heard quite a lot of rumours because those worlds are quite small and contained, combi continued: “I obviously asked why. She said: “Women and girls should never have to shrink our lives or ambitions because of outdated, misogynistic attitudes, and the appalling testimonies we have heard in recent days underline how, speaking in the Commons.
While she never met Walliams personally, she noted that her information originated from multiple sources within these circles.
Allegations and Industry Response
- Investigation findings: Guardian and ITV News investigations detailed multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, inappropriate behaviour, and power abuse by Walliams.
- Publisher action: HarperCollins, which previously issued the comedian’s children’s books, terminated its relationship with him following an internal review and confirmed it would no longer publish his back catalogue.
- Walliams’ response: The comedian has denied being a sexual predator and stated he has not broken the law, though he expressed regret for his past behaviour in casual sexual relationships.
- Official comments: Media minister Ian Murray described the situation as a cultural issue in the industry, while Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson praised the courage of victims speaking out.
The specific allegations reported include claims from women who allege they were groomed or subjected to inappropriate sexual behaviour when they were teenagers. According to she, He groomed her and they had sex when she was 17.
Additionally, reports suggest inappropriate conduct occurred on the set of Britain’s Got Talent and within the workplace at HarperCollins.
A spokesperson for the publisher emphasised that the company prioritises employee wellbeing.
Comedian and podcaster Deborah Frances-White noted that exploitation remains a significant issue within the comedy industry. According to comedian and podcaster Deborah Frances-White, Radio 4’s The World at One that young women are “definitely” still being exploited in the comedy industry.
She described an environment where women often face pressure to navigate potential abuse to maintain career opportunities, confirming that female comedians frequently share their experiences of such power imbalances in private support networks. Help and support is available at Action Line, if you are affected by any of the issues in this story.
In his formal statement, Walliams acknowledged that he did not always consider the feelings of others during past relationships but maintained that he never abused his position of influence.
He expressed devastation that people he encountered years ago now feel anger or hurt because of his actions. But I am devastated that some of the women I met 10 to 20 years ago have now expressed hurt or anger towards me, i have not broken the law.
