HarperCollins has ‘decided not to publish any new titles’ by Walliams after the successful children’s author was reportedly accused of harassing junior female staff
David Walliams has been dropped by his publisher after an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards young women, the Telegraph has reported.
Walliams, one of Britain’s most successful children’s authors, was reportedly the subject of complaints that he had “harassed” junior female staff at HarperCollins UK, prompting the publisher to decide it would no longer release new titles by the author.
One woman who raised concerns is understood to have left the company after reaching a settlement that included a five-figure payout.
HarperCollins, which is owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation, reportedly carried out an internal inquiry after a junior employee made a complaint in 2023. Sources cited by the Telegraph said that, after the inquiry, steps were taken to limit contact between Walliams and some employees. Measures reportedly included ensuring some staff did not work directly with him, advising them to attend meetings in pairs and discouraging visits to his home. The Telegraph reported that Walliams was not informed about the HarperCollins investigation while it was under way and that its findings were not formally put to him.
