David Walliams: UK Police launch investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against comedian

UK police have launched an investigation into allegations against David Walliams after reports from two media organisations accused the comedian of sexual misconduct.

The Guardian and ITV News on Tuesday reported that multiple women had accused the 55-year-old best-selling children’s author and former judge on Britain’s Got Talent of abusing his fame to prey on young women.

Walliams, who has sold more than 60 million books, has denied the allegations and had sought to block publication of the accusations, saying he would again attempt to take his own life if they were made public.

However, an injunction preventing publication was lifted on Tuesday.

London police said in a statement they had received a number of allegations of “non-recent serious sexual offences” involving a man now in his 50s.

The force said these were separate from those reported by ITN - the broadcaster that produces ITV News - and the Guardian.

The police statement said detectives were also looking at the Guardian and ITV material to see whether it included any evidence of offences. It did not name Walliams, as is customary.

“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,” Detective Superintendent Mike Cagney said.

“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.”

In its report, the Guardian said Walliams had written a personal letter to the investigating journalists, denying abusing his position of power.

“I realise that at times I behaved thoughtlessly towards other people I had casual sexual relationships with,” he wrote.

“And whilst a power imbalance is inevitable when one party is famous, abusing that power is something else entirely and it is something I never did.”

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028

Lifeline 13 11 14

beyondblue 1300 22 4636