David Walliams named after failing to block sexual misconduct allegations

British children's author and comedian David Walliams was named on Tuesday as the celebrity who tried to prevent media organisations from reporting allegations of sexual misconduct against him. The Daily Mail and South China Morning Post reported that Walliams attempted to secure a court injunction to block reporting on the claims. Walliams tried and failed to obtain a High Court injunction to prevent the publication of his identity, as FTMQ News reported earlier. [1][3][4][12]

The South China Morning Post, The Guardian, and ITVX reported that a joint investigation by The Guardian and ITV News spoke with multiple women who accused Walliams of preying on them. One woman stated that Walliams sexually assaulted her when she was 15 years old. The South China Morning Post reported that Walliams denies the claims. [4][6][10][12]

The Daily Mail, The Independent, and The Sun reported that footage emerged of presenter Jonathan Ross making a joke about Walliams at a 2004 comedy awards ceremony. The outlets reported that Ross joked about Walliams going home with 15-year-olds. The Daily Mail reported that Walliams was filmed laughing at the remark. [1][8][9]

The allegations follow recent business changes involving Walliams. Alton Towers permanently closed its World of David Walliams section following a review of its resort offerings, as FTMQ News reported earlier. [13]