{
  "id": 8359181,
  "title": "UK publisher HarperCollins drops ‘Little Britain’ star David Walliams’ entire back catalogue after harassment allegations",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/uk-publisher-harpercollins-drops-little-britain-star-david-walliams",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-19T02:02:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/showbiz/2026/09/19/uk-publisher-harpercollins-drops-little-britain-star-david-walliams-entire-back-catalogue-after-harassment-allegations/235737"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "London, September 19 - HarperCollins UK has announced it will no longer publish the back catalogue of British comedian and children's author David Walliams, following allegations of harassment towards female staff members. A HarperCollins spokesperson confirmed the decision in a statement to AFP. This comes after HarperCollins decided not to publish any new titles by Walliams in December, citing their commitment to employee wellbeing. The allegations were reported by the Daily Telegraph in December, which claimed a junior employee had lodged a complaint about Walliams' behavior, leading to an internal investigation. As a result, one employee received a financial settlement and the publisher advised staff to avoid visiting Walliams at his home and to work in pairs. Despite denying any inappropriate behavior, Walliams' agent stated at the time. His website and social media accounts have been inactive since December. Walliams gained prominence as a co-star of the BBC sketch comedy series Little Britain alongside Matt Lucas. He authored over 60 million copies of children's books and received an OBE in 2017 for his charity fundraising efforts, including swimming the River Thames. His reputation was further tarnished in 2022 when a Guardian investigation discovered he was recorded making derogatory sexual remarks while judging contestants on Britain's Got Talent.",
  "summary": "LONDON, Sept 19 — Publishing house HarperCollins UK said yesterday it would no longer publish the back catalogue o...",
  "key_points": [
    "HarperCollins UK ends publishing David Walliams' back catalogue.",
    "Allegations of harassment towards female staff members.",
    "Walliams denies any inappropriate behavior."
  ],
  "editors_take": "HarperCollins' decision to drop David Walliams' back catalogue marks a significant reputational and commercial blow, reflecting the publisher's prioritization of employee wellbeing over the commercial value of his works.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}