Police investigating children’s author and Little Britain star David Walliams for sex offences

The Metropolitan Police announced Friday that it is opening an investigation into sexual offenses involving British actor, comedian, and children's author David Walliams. The police stated they have received several allegations of past abuse and a number of allegations regarding non-recent serious sexual offenses involving a man now in his 50s. Detective Mike Cagney, who is leading the investigation, encouraged any victims of sexual offenses to come forward regardless of when the incidents occurred.

DW News reports that Walliams, also known as a star of Little Britain and a judge on Britain's Got Talent, has been accused of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior toward girls and young women, though he denies the allegations. According to DW English (Top Stories), the Metropolitan Police investigation is based on allegations that are separate from those previously reported by ITV News and The Guardian.

The Metropolitan Police noted they received allegations of past abuse following a joint investigation by ITV News and The Guardian. DW English (Top Stories) reports that those outlets produced a documentary titled "David Walliams: Power and Silence," which alleged Walliams misused his celebrity status to prey on women and girls over more than 20 years.

The report included an allegation of sexual assault by a woman when she was 15, as well as allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct involving his book publisher, HarperCollins, and his role on Britain's Got Talent. While Walliams previously responded to the ITV and Guardian reports, neither he nor his lawyer has responded to the Metropolitan Police investigation.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, DW News, DW English (Top Stories), PBS NewsHour — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.