Prominent children's author and television personality David Walliams has been cut loose by his long-time publisher, HarperCollins, following serious allegations about his conduct towards staff.
Publisher Severs Ties Following Investigation
HarperCollins UK has confirmed it will not publish any new books by David Walliams. This decisive move comes after claims surfaced that the 54-year-old Britain's Got Talent judge allegedly harassed junior female employees at the publishing house.
A company spokesman stated: “After careful consideration, and under the leadership of its new CEO, HarperCollins UK has decided not to publish any new titles by David Walliams. The author is aware of this decision.” The spokesman emphasised the firm's commitment to employee wellbeing, adding, “HarperCollins takes employee wellbeing extremely seriously and has processes in place for reporting and investigating concerns.”
Details of the Allegations and Aftermath
According to reports, the allegations centred on Walliams having “harassed” junior female staff. The situation led to at least one woman, who raised concerns, eventually leaving the business. Her departure was part of a settlement that included a five-figure financial payout.
Significantly, reports suggest that Walliams was not aware an internal investigation had been taking place and was not presented with its findings. The decision coincides with a leadership change at HarperCollins, where former chief executive Charlie Redmayne stepped down in October. Kate Elton is currently serving as interim boss.
The Scale of Walliams's Publishing Success
The termination of this publishing relationship marks a major shift in the UK's children's literary landscape. David Walliams has been a phenomenally successful author since his debut in 2008, penning more than 40 books.
His commercial impact is substantial:
- An estimated 60 million copies of his books have been sold worldwide.
- His works have been translated into 55 languages and adapted for television.
- Industry analysis indicated he accounted for a staggering 44% of HarperCollins’s UK children’s sales in 2018.
- His books are widely used in schools, with total sales estimated to be worth around £100 million.
The publisher's move severs a highly profitable partnership, underscoring the seriousness with which the allegations have been treated. The future of his existing backlist with HarperCollins remains a focal point for the industry.
