Police investigating David Walliams over alleged serious sexual offences

The Metropolitan Police launched a criminal investigation into David Walliams following allegations of sexual misconduct published by media organisations.

Metropolitan Police Open Criminal Probe Into Entertainer

The Metropolitan Police announced the launch of an investigation into David Walliams after receiving a number of allegations of non-recent serious sexual offences involving a man now in his 50s, according to statements from the force. Detectives stated that the specific allegations currently under investigation are separate from those published by ITV News and The Guardian. However, as part of their inquiry, officers are also proactively reviewing the media reporting to establish whether it contains evidence of criminal offences. Specialist officers are supporting those who have come forward.

Detective Superintendent Mike Cagney urged anyone affected to reach out.

"We would encourage anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence to come forward and speak to us, no matter when it happened. We know reporting allegations of this nature can be daunting, but specialist officers are on hand to provide support, answer questions and guide you through the process."

Mike Cagney, Detective Superintendent, via Metropolitan Police

High Court Ruling Follows Unsuccessful Injunction Bid

The police action follows investigative reports published by ITV News and The Guardian. These reports emerged after Walliams lost a legal battle to prevent the claims from becoming public. His legal representatives had sought a lifelong injunction to block publication. During high court proceedings, his barrister Sara Mansoori KC argued that the court had an obligation under human rights laws to protect him from acts of self-harm, noting that he had made two attempts to take his own life after journalists first put the women's allegations to him.

Mr Justice Nicklin rejected the injunction application, ruling that the investigation concerns matters of substantial public interest and that the court did not owe Walliams an obligation to block publication in this case. Alongside the media reports, ITV released a documentary titled David Walliams: Power and Silence.

Allegations From Women and Former Employees

The published reports detailed accounts from several women who do not know one another, alleging unwanted sexual advances. Some accusers stated they were targeted as teenagers and accused Walliams of grooming. One woman characterized an encounter when she was 15 years old as a sexual assault, an allegation Walliams strongly denied. Additional claims alleged a sexual relationship with at least one junior employee at publisher HarperCollins, pursuit of another, and inappropriate behavior at ITV's Britain's Got Talent, including inviting young women to his dressing room.

Walliams rose to fame in the early 2000s through the BBC sketch comedy series Little Britain, later serving as a judge on Britain's Got Talent and writing best-selling children's books.

Walliams Denies Criminal Activity and Wrongdoing

Walliams has consistently denied all allegations of criminal activity or grooming. In a letter addressed to investigating journalists, he acknowledged past behavior involving casual relationships.

"Looking back, I realise that at times I behaved thoughtlessly towards other people I had casual sexual relationships with. I realise I did not always take people's feelings properly into account. That is something I regret. And whilst a power imbalance is inevitable when one party is famous, abusing that power is something else entirely and it is something that I never did. I am not a sexual predator. I have not broken the law, but I am devastated that some of the women I met 10 to 20 years ago have now expressed hurt or anger towards me."

David Walliams, Comedian and author, via Yahoo.com and Digital Spy

As the Metropolitan Police continue reviewing reports and supporting complainants, further developments depend on whether additional individuals come forward through the designated police contact channels or if detectives uncover further evidence during their examination of the published material.