Further blow for David Walliams as author cut from festival
David Walliams has been dropped from next year’s Waterstones Children’s Book Festival in another blow amid troubling allegations.
The author and comedian has denied the allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards young women.
However, the claims have led to him being dropped by his publisher, HarperCollins, and now the well-known 2026 book festival.
David Walliams has denied the allegations. Pic: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for BFI
A spokesperson for Waterstones told the BBC: ‘HarperCollins have confirmed that David Walliams will no longer be appearing at our festival in Dundee.’
The festival will also take place in Lincoln and Taunton, in the UK. Walliams has been removed from the list of speakers on the festival website.
He is one of the UK’s most successful children’s authors, with more than 60 million books sold worldwide in 55 languages.
The author was dropped by his publisher. Pic: RTÉ
HarperCollins published his debut children’s novel, The Boy in the Dress, in 2008, and has released more than 40 of his titles since, including Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy.
The publisher also just released his new book, Santa and Son, in October.
However, they dropped him after ‘careful consideration’ last week, but did not specify any details.
Walliams has been dropped from next year’s Waterstones Children’s Book Festival. Pic: James Warren/SOPA Images via ZUMA Wire
The Telegraph reported that former employees alleged that they were told to work in pairs when meeting Walliams, and were also advised against visiting his home.
A junior colleague is understood to have reported Walliams’ conduct, leading to other staff members being interviewed.
Meanwhile, the BBC are under pressure to remove a Christmas special featuring the 54-year-old from its festive schedule. He is still set to appear on BBC One on St Stephen’s Day as a guest panellist for Would I Lie to You? At Christmas.
The BBC confirmed they weren’t set to make ‘any changes’ to the festive schedules but added: ‘We have no future projects directly involving David Walliams.’
Walliams will appear alongside team captains David Mitchell and Lee Mack and fellow panellists Jools Holland, Swarzy Shire and Helen George.
While discussing his BBC appearance, an anonymous MP told The Telegraph: ‘Innocent until proven guilty. But with the BBC’s record for getting it wrong, it probably would be better to be safe than sorry.’
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