David Walliams denies misconduct allegations after investigation

David Walliams has denied wrongdoing after an investigation published allegations of sexual misconduct by multiple women, including claims of grooming and an alleged sexual assault when one woman was 15. The reports followed unsuccessful legal action by Walliams to prevent publication. The allegations have not been adjudicated in the reports, and Walliams disputes them.

The Guardian and ITV investigation described allegations dating back to 2003. Several women said Walliams contacted or pursued them when they were teenagers. One woman described an alleged encounter at age 15 as sexual assault. The accounts are allegations, not established findings.

In a statement to journalists, Walliams said he had sometimes behaved thoughtlessly in casual sexual relationships and regretted not properly considering other people’s feelings. He denied being a sexual predator, breaking the law or abusing the power associated with his fame. He also said he was devastated that some women he had met 10 to 20 years earlier had expressed hurt or anger.

Independent Talent Group said on November 10 that it no longer represented Walliams in any capacity. The agency said it was deeply disturbed by the...