British actor David Walliams grooming allegations

British comedian, author, and former “Britain’s Got Talent” star David Walliams has lost a court attempt to prevent the British press from naming him in connection with allegations of grooming young women and teenage girls. According to Gulf News, a judge rejected his request for an injunction last week, though his identity was protected until late Monday. Walliams’ lawyer, Sara Mansoori, had informed the High Court that he had made a suicide attempt upon receiving letters regarding the matter.

A three-year investigation by the Guardian and ITV News reported that multiple women accused Walliams of using his celebrity status to prey on them for sex. Gulf News reports that one woman alleged he sexually assaulted her at his home when she was 15, while others accused him of grooming them during their teenage years. Walliams has denied the allegations, stating to ITV that he is not a sexual predator and has not broken the law.

Following the allegations of grooming and harassment, the Independent Talent Group announced it is no longer representing Walliams in any capacity. A spokesperson for the agency stated they are deeply disturbed by the allegations and their thoughts are with anyone affected.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, CBC News, Variety, Gulf News — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.