David Walliams' entire book back catalogue dropped by publisher after “inappropriate behaviour” claims

David Walliams' entire book catalogue is being dropped by publisher HarperCollins following allegations against the author. The former Britain's Got Talent judge, who has sold millions of children's books, was dropped by the publisher last year, with new titles no longer being published.

Walliams was accused of inappropriate behaviour and "harassing" junior female employees. The star said at the time that he "strongly denies" the claims, and that he was not informed by HarperCollins about an investigation into him by them.

The Bookseller now reports that the publisher has now dropped Walliams' backlist, and that they will gradually phase out the stock of his books in shops, alongside e-books and audio versions. HarperCollins confirmed this to Digital Spy when approached for comment.

In a statement released last year after the allegations surfaced, HarperCollins said: "After careful consideration, and under the leadership of its new CEO, HarperCollins UK has decided not to publish any new titles by David Walliams.

"The author is aware of this decision. HarperCollins takes employee wellbeing extremely seriously and has processes in place for reporting and investigating concerns. To respect the privacy of individuals we do not comment on internal matters."

The change of leadership mentioned is in reference to the departure of former CEO Charlie Redmayne last October, succeeded by Kate Elton.

In response to the claims, a spokesperson for Walliams said: "David has never been informed of any allegations raised against him by HarperCollins.

"He was not party to any investigation or given any opportunity to answer questions. David strongly denies that he has behaved inappropriately and is taking legal advice."

Digital Spy has reached out to Walliam's representatives.

Last year, Walliams also sparked controversy when he allegedly did two Nazi salutes during a taping of the BBC's Would I Like To You?, though the episode was eventually broadcast last Christmas.

"The use of such an offensive gesture is completely unacceptable and we apologise to all at the recording for the offence caused," the BBC said in response.

Walliams previously departed Britain's Got Talent in 2022 after he was caught on mic making derogatory comments about contestants, after which he apologised.

He later settled a lawsuit with production company Fremantle over misuse of private information and breaching UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International.  Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.