Comedian and bestselling children's author David Walliams has been removed from the scheduled line-up for a major UK book festival. The decision follows his recent dismissal by his long-time publisher, HarperCollins UK, amidst allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
Festival Appearance Cancelled Following Publisher's Move
Book retail giant Waterstones has confirmed that David Walliams will no longer appear at its upcoming Children's Book Festival. The festival is set to take place across three locations: Dundee, Lincoln, and Taunton. The author was due to appear at the Dundee event on 6 and 7 February.
A statement from Waterstones cited the publisher's decision, saying: "HarperCollins have confirmed that David Walliams will no longer be appearing at our festival in Dundee." His name has subsequently been scrubbed from the listed speakers on the festival's official website.
Publisher and Author at Odds Over Investigation
The festival's action comes directly after HarperCollins UK announced it would not release any new titles by Walliams. A spokesperson for the publisher stated the move came "after careful consideration, and under the leadership of its new CEO." They emphasised the company's commitment to employee well-being but declined to comment further on internal matters.
However, Walliams has hit back at the process. A spokesperson for the 54-year-old star said: "David has never been informed of any allegations raised against him by HarperCollins. He was not party to any investigation or given any opportunity to answer questions." The statement added that Walliams "strongly denies that he has behaved inappropriately" and is seeking legal counsel.
A Stellar Career Now Under a Cloud
David Walliams, who shot to fame with the iconic BBC sketch show Little Britain, is one of the UK's most successful children's writers. According to his website, he has authored more than 40 books, which have sold over 60 million copies worldwide and been translated into 55 languages.
The allegations, first reported by The Daily Telegraph, relate to claims of inappropriate behaviour towards young women. The fallout represents a significant professional setback for the entertainer, severing ties with both his publisher and a key promotional platform in the literary calendar.
