David Walliams, U.K. comedian and author, accused of preying on teenage girls

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 and harassment. A judge rejected a request for an injunction that would have barred ITV News and the Guardian from identifying him, though his identity was protected until late Monday.

According to Gulf News, Walliams' lawyers argued that publishing the sexual misconduct allegations could lead him to take his own life, noting a previous suicide attempt.

A three-year investigation by the Guardian and ITV News included interviews with multiple women who 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 house when she was 15, while others accused him of grooming them during their teenage years. Walliams has denied the allegations, stating he is not a sexual predator and has not broken the law.

Following the allegations, the Independent Talent Group has dropped Walliams as a client. A spokesperson for the agency stated they are deeply disturbed by the allegations and are no longer representing him in any capacity.

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