Metropolitan Police Launch Probe Into David Walliams

London police have initiated a formal investigation into serious sexual offence allegations against the 55 year old British comedian and children's author David Walliams. The Metropolitan Police confirmed on Friday that they have received multiple reports regarding non-recent serious sexual offences involving a man in his 50s. Detective Superintendent Mike Cagney issued a public appeal urging anyone affected by the alleged misconduct to come forward and share their experiences with investigators.

Walliams has publicly denied the accusations, stating that he is not a sexual predator and has not broken the law. The police clarified that the current criminal probe is separate from a series of high-profile media reports published earlier this week. Those reports, released by ITV News and The Guardian on Tuesday, detailed claims of sexual misconduct and harassment that date back to 2003.

The investigative journalism effort was based on interviews with more than 100 individuals conducted over a three year period. Several women alleged that Walliams sexually assaulted them at his London residence when they were teenagers. One specific claim described an assault when the complainant was 15 years old. Other accusations included grooming behavior directed at young people and the harassment of young female colleagues within his professional circle.

The timing of the media revelations followed closely after comedian Russell Brand was sentenced to more than ten years in prison for rape and sexual assault earlier this week. The publication of the reports also came after Walliams lost a legal bid in the High Court to prevent the news organizations from naming him. Judge Matthew Nicklin ruled that an injunction would constitute an exceptionally serious interference with the media's rights to report the story.

In a letter addressed to the two news outlets, Walliams acknowledged that a power imbalance is inevitable when one party is famous. However, he argued that abusing that power is a distinct issue and maintained that he never engaged in such behavior. He emphasized that his denial of the charges is firm, insisting that he has not broken the law despite the gravity of the accusations.

Major industry partners have begun distancing themselves from the comedian in the wake of the new allegations. A spokesperson for the BBC told the AFP news agency that the broadcaster has removed several shows featuring Walliams from its platforms. This decision includes all episodes of Little Britain, the comedy sketch show that originally brought him widespread fame. The move signals a significant shift in the broadcaster's relationship with the star.

His literary agency, Independent Talent Group, has also announced that it is no longer representing him in any capacity. This follows a similar decision made by his publisher, HarperCollins, last year. HarperCollins dropped Walliams after he faced accusations of harassing female staff, claims which he had also denied at the time. The succession of professional departures highlights the growing pressure on the entertainment and publishing industries to respond to the allegations.

Walliams rose to prominence through sketch comedy shows such as Little Britain and Come Fly With Me. He also served as a judge on the popular talent show Britain's Got Talent. Beyond his work in television, he became a best selling author of children's books. Titles such as Mr Stink, Gangsta Granny, and The Boy in the Dress have reportedly sold more than 50 million copies worldwide, cementing his status as a cultural icon in the United Kingdom.

The police investigation marks a significant escalation in the case, moving beyond media scrutiny to formal legal proceedings. As the Metropolitan Police continue to gather evidence, the outcome of this probe will likely determine the next steps for Walliams' career and public standing. The case has drawn widespread attention, prompting further conversations about accountability and power dynamics in the entertainment industry.