Author and columnist Chloe Combi has disclosed that she heard warnings about David Walliams's conduct within the publishing industry more than ten years before recent allegations emerged publicly. Speaking to BBC News, Combi described being cautioned in 2015 by a senior publishing figure to avoid booking Walliams for school events, with concerns raised about his "behaviour around young female staff."
An investigation by the Guardian and ITV News has documented accusations from multiple women alleging sexual misconduct, inappropriate behaviour, and abuse of power by Walliams, which he denies. Walliams' literary agency, Independent Talent Group, confirmed it had ended its relationship with him following publication of the allegations.
Combi explained that she was attending publishing events around the time her own book was being released and was simultaneously managing a scheme to bring prominent writers and speakers to schools. At a 2015 gathering, she spoke with someone described as "quite senior" in the publishing world who offered her recommendations for the initiative.
"She gave me some great recommendations and said 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'."
When Combi asked for clarification, the publishing professional elaborated on the nature of the concerns. Combi noted that she had already encountered multiple rumours within these interconnected professional circles.
"One of the things she said was that there had been real concerns about his behaviour around young female staff."
Combi characterised the awareness of such concerns as widespread within entertainment and media sectors. When asked whether concerns about Walliams's behaviour constituted an open secret, she responded affirmatively, noting that information had circulated among publishing professionals, fellow authors, and individuals working in celebrity and television.
"Yes definitely... and I'd heard it from people who worked in publishing, fellow writers, people kind of in celebrity and TV circles."
Combi stressed that she had never personally encountered Walliams and that her knowledge derived from conversations with multiple industry contacts across different professional networks.
What the allegations include
The investigation documented a range of accusations spanning different contexts and time periods. One woman alleged that she met Walliams at a fan event when she was 15, claiming he groomed her and that they had sexual contact when she was 17. Another woman reported meeting Walliams for coffee at age 15, after which she alleged he attempted to lift her shirt and committed what she now describes as sexual assault at his residence.
Women who worked as models during their teenage years have made separate allegations. One accused Walliams of grooming behaviour, while another reported that he attempted to kiss her while giving her a tour of his home. The Guardian and ITV News said their investigation involved 30 sources with first-hand accounts and spanned more than three years.
The investigation also alleged that Walliams maintained a sexual relationship with at least one junior employee at HarperCollins and pursued another. Additional allegations describe inappropriate behaviour at ITV's Britain's Got Talent, including inviting girls and young women to his dressing room.
Walliams's response and publisher actions
In his statement to ITV News and the Guardian, Walliams acknowledged past thoughtlessness in his conduct toward people with whom he had casual sexual relationships. He stated that he had not always considered others' feelings adequately and expressed regret on that point. He also recognised that while fame creates an inherent power imbalance, he maintained that he had never abused such power.
"I am not a sexual predator. I have not broken the law, but I am devastated that some of the women I met 10 to 20 years ago have now expressed hurt or anger towards me."
HarperCollins, the publisher of Walliams's bestselling children's books, announced that it would not be publishing any new titles by him and stated that it took "employee wellbeing extremely seriously." The publisher had begun an internal investigation into Walliams's conduct in 2023, and Waterstones reported that HarperCollins had stopped supplying Walliams' books and was arranging returns of remaining copies from some shops. HarperCollins ended its relationship with Walliams in December 2025 and announced in September that it would no longer publish his back catalogue.
Beyond publishing, Walliams faced swift consequences across other sectors. Alton Towers announced the immediate closure of its World of David Walliams attraction, a themed area that had operated since 2021, following the publication of the allegations.
Legal proceedings and industry response
A High Court judge rejected Walliams's injunction request, which had sought to suppress the reporting. The judge found that the reporting concerned matters of substantial public interest, and Walliams's legal representatives indicated he would not pursue an appeal.
Government figures have responded to the allegations with concern about broader patterns in the media industry. Media minister Ian Murray told the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee that there is a "cultural problem" in the industry that requires urgent action. Murray stated he was "deeply saddened and also angry" at the prevalence of abuse by men in media sectors.
Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the "bravery" of victims who have shared their experiences. Speaking in Parliament, she emphasised that women and girls should not have to limit their lives or professional ambitions due to outdated, misogynistic attitudes, and stressed that recent testimonies demonstrate how much further progress is needed.
Broader concerns about industry culture
Comedian and podcaster Deborah Frances-White told BBC Radio 4's The World at One that young women continue to face exploitation within the comedy industry. She characterised perpetrators as individuals who understand consent but derive satisfaction from disregarding it.
"The thrill is in the contravention of consent."
Frances-White described an industry environment where she was required to meet male producers in dimly lit settings, navigating a precarious balance between making them feel valued and avoiding assault, all while these individuals held influence over future employment prospects. She confirmed that such dynamics persist and noted that she participates in a WhatsApp group with female comedians who exchange accounts of their experiences.
When asked whether the pattern evident in both Russell Brand's conviction and the allegations against Walliams reflected broader industry problems, Frances-White responded affirmatively.
"Yes, entirely."
Comedian Lucy Beaumont disclosed to Sky News that she was among those who spoke to the Guardian about allegations concerning Walliams. Beaumont reported that a young television worker had approached her with an account of inappropriate behaviour while working with Walliams on another production.
"This young person's job was to take young girls - he didn't think that they were children... he definitely knew that they were over 16 - he had to take them to Walliams's dressing room."
Labour MP Jess Phillips told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the behaviour described in the Walliams allegations requires intervention. She characterised the pattern as involving a specific target demographic and noted that the dynamics differ significantly when the alleged perpetrator interacts with women who possess greater professional power and autonomy.
"What is described in the David Walliams story is an absolute modus operandi, a target group of women of a certain age, the kind of women who don't have the same amount of power as if you were doing this to a 35-year-old woman who might have a bit more about herself in the world."
If you are affected by any of the issues in this story, help and support is available through BBC Action Line.
