UK Police Open Sex Offense Probe Into Children's Author David Walliams

British police launched a formal investigation into serious sex offense allegations against David Walliams on Friday. The Metropolitan Police stated that they received multiple reports of past abuse following a joint investigation by ITV News and The Guardian.

The new police inquiry began after news outlets published findings from a three-year probe into Walliams' conduct. The reports detailed claims that the 55-year-old used his celebrity status to groom girls and young women. One woman alleged that Walliams sexually assaulted her at his London home when she was 15. Other accusers described being groomed during their teenage years.

Walliams first appeared in the news on Tuesday afternoon when the reports were released. He has not spoken publicly since that initial disclosure. The Metropolitan Police said the allegations they are currently investigating differ from those described in the media reports. Investigators plan to examine the news stories to look for evidence of other crimes.

In a letter sent to ITV and The Guardian, Walliams denied the claims. He stated that he had not broken any laws and was not a sexual predator. "I am devastated that some of the women I met 10 to 20 years ago have now expressed hurt or anger towards me," Walliams wrote. He added that while a power imbalance exists when one party is famous, he did not abuse that power.

Walliams attempted to keep his name out of the headlines by seeking a court injunction. He told the court that publication of the allegations could lead him to take his own life. Justice Matthew Nicklin rejected the application, ruling that such a legal measure would be an exceptionally serious interference with media rights. The judge noted that mental health services are responsible for ensuring his safety.

The author is best known for co-creating and starring in the 2000s comedy sketch show Little Britain. He is also a celebrated children's book author with approximately 40 published titles. According to his website, these books have sold more than 60 million copies worldwide. Several of his works, including Gangsta Granny, have been adapted into BBC dramas and stage productions.

The entertainment industry has begun to distance itself from the author. Producers of Fing!, an upcoming film based on one of Walliams' books, announced on Tuesday that they removed his cameo appearance. They stated he will have no involvement in the film's release or promotion. The UK distributor Sky told Variety that it is dropping the movie. Angel Studios, the US distributor, did not respond to queries regarding its plans.

Walliams was previously dropped by publisher HarperCollins last year after allegations of inappropriate behavior surfaced. The Guardian reported that concerns about his conduct had persisted for years. These included an allegation of an inappropriate sexual relationship with a junior female employee. He also served as a judge on Britain's Got Talent for a decade before stepping down in 2022.

The release of the Walliams reports came one day after British actor-comedian Russell Brand was sentenced to 10.5 years in prison for rape and sexual assault. The two stories sparked wider discussion in the UK about celebrity misconduct. Since Brand's sentencing, more women have come forward with claims against him, and police are investigating two other cases involving the actor.

The Metropolitan Police did not name Walliams because he has not yet been charged. They described the suspect as a man in his 50s. Police did not specify the number of complaints received or the specific nature of the new allegations. Detective Superintendent Mike Cagney encouraged victims to come forward, noting that specialist officers are available to provide support and answer questions.