Author Chloe Combi has stated that she heard rumors regarding David Walliams’s conduct over a decade ago, noting that there were “real concerns” about him within the publishing industry. 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: “Yes, entirely, asked whether she recognised the picture Russell Brand’s conviction and allegations against Walliams had painted of the comedy industry.
Combi informed news outlets that she had heard various allegations concerning his behavior toward young female staff members and was reportedly advised in 2015 to warn schools that the comedian was “not an appropriate booking.”
These comments arrive following an investigation by the Guardian and ITV News detailing accusations of sexual misconduct, inappropriate behavior, and abuse of power against Walliams. The comedian has denied these claims, asserting he is “not a sexual predator” and has not broken the law, though he acknowledged behaving thoughtlessly toward individuals with whom he had casual sexual relationships in the past. Which published Walliams’s best-selling children’s books, dropped Walliams last year after an investigation into his behaviour, harperCollins. And pursued another, the investigation claimed Walliams had a sexual relationship with at least one junior employee at publisher HarperCollins. I realise I did not always take people’s feelings properly into account.
Combi, who was running a program to bring speakers to schools at the time, described receiving a specific warning from a senior publishing figure in 2015.
She recalled the contact advising her to avoid inviting Walliams and suggesting she inform head teachers that he was an unsuitable choice for educational environments. 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’. Help and support is available at Action Line, if you are affected by any of the issues in this story. According to she, He groomed her and they had sex when she was 17. 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 noted that these concerns were considered an “open secret” among fellow writers, publishing professionals, and those in television circles. We were talking about [the scheme] and possible writers who might be good for the project to work well with teenagers,” Combi said.
Allegations and Institutional Response
- Fan event incident: A woman alleges she met Walliams at 15 and was groomed before having sexual encounters at 17.
- Home encounter: Another woman claims that at 15, Walliams attempted to lift her shirt and committed an act she describes as sexual assault.
- Professional misconduct: Reports include allegations of grooming a teenage model and unwanted physical advances toward others in his home.
- Industry impact: HarperCollins has severed ties with Walliams, citing an internal investigation and a commitment to employee wellbeing.
- Ongoing scrutiny: Allegations also involve inappropriate behavior toward young women at ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent.
In response to the developments, HarperCollins confirmed it will no longer publish new titles by the author and has discontinued his back catalogue.
Walliams expressed devastation that women he met years ago have since expressed hurt or anger, maintaining that he never abused his position of power despite the inevitable imbalance created by his fame. 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.
Government officials have also weighed in on the wider implications for the industry.
Media Minister Ian Murray stated there is a “cultural problem” that must be addressed, expressing frustration at the reported prevalence of abuse. 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.
Meanwhile, Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson praised the courage of those sharing their testimonies, emphasizing that society must continue to dismantle misogynistic attitudes. 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 much further we have to go, speaking in the Commons.
Comedian Deborah Frances-White added that young women continue to face exploitation, describing a workplace culture where such power dynamics remain a persistent challenge. 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. According to she, These events are “definitely still going on” and that she is in a WhatsApp group with female comedians who share their experiences with each other.
