- HarperCollins says it will not publish new titles by David Walliams after an internal probe.
- Telegraph investigation revealed claims that Walliams behaved inappropriately toward junior female employees; one settled with a five-figure payout.
- The publisher’s inquiry began after a 2023 complaint and concluded in 2024; the decision to end the relationship came under new leadership in 2025.
Publisher ends new deals with bestselling author
HarperCollins has decided not to publish any new books by David Walliams, the publisher confirmed after a Telegraph investigation revealed allegations that the bestselling children’s author behaved inappropriately toward junior female employees.
What HarperCollins says
A spokesman for HarperCollins told the Telegraph: “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.”
Allegations, investigation and settlement
The Telegraph reports that a junior employee raised concerns in 2023, triggering an internal investigation that included staff interviews and involvement from at least one in-house lawyer. The inquiry concluded in 2024.
Sources told the Telegraph the publisher took steps to keep the author and some staff apart. One woman who raised concerns reportedly agreed a settlement with HarperCollins that included a five-figure payoff and left the company.
Former employees also said staff were advised to work in pairs when meeting Walliams and were told not to visit his home.
Context: Walliams’s career and past controversies
David Walliams rose to prominence through comedy and later became one of Britain’s best-selling children’s authors, with more than 40 books and over 60 million copies sold worldwide. His books have been translated into dozens of languages and widely used in schools.
But Walliams has faced public scrutiny in recent years. His television career stalled after leaked remarks in 2020 led to his departure from Britain’s Got Talent. His work has also drawn criticism for alleged harmful stereotypes and edits to earlier publications.
Timeline and leadership changes
The decision to end new publishing ties came after a change in leadership at HarperCollins UK. Charlie Redmayne, the former chief executive, left in October and Kate Elton became interim CEO. The Telegraph reported Walliams was aware of the publisher’s decision but that he had not been told about the internal investigation or its conclusions.
What happens next
HarperCollins has said it will not publish new titles by Walliams. The author continues to have a public profile through book tours and recent releases, but this development marks a significant shift in his long-standing relationship with his publisher.
Further statements from Walliams or his representatives have not been reported alongside the publisher’s announcement.
Image Referance: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/12/19/david-walliams-harper-collins/