Comedian, author and former “Britain’s Got Talent” judge David Walliams has denied that he is a sexual predator, following publication of allegations in the Guardian.
According to a statement published by the BBC, Walliams said, “Looking back, I realize that at times I behaved thoughtlessly towards other people I had casual sexual relationships with.
“I realize I did not always take people’s feelings properly into account. That is something I regret.
“And whilst a power imbalance is inevitable when one party is famous, abusing that power is something else entirely and it is something that I never did.”
He added: “I am not a sexual predator. I have not broken the law, but I am devastated that some of the women I met 10 to 20 years ago have now expressed hurt or anger towards me.”
The Guardian on Tuesday alleged that Walliams “groomed fans he met when they were as young as 15 and harassed women in the workplace over a number of years.” He denies the allegations.
Among the allegations, which were made during a joint investigation by the Guardian and ITN, is that Walliams was “predatory” and “pushy,” repeatedly contacting young women either via social media or modelling agencies, inviting them to his home or his dressing room at “Britain’s Got Talent.” One woman, who became friendly with the comedian after he contacted her, said he would “constantly pester her for sex.”
The report also alleged that Walliams would message “young female runners” who worked on his productions as well as staff at his publisher, HarperCollins.
Walliams has denied any wrongdoing, including any allegations of sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that an anonymous celebrity had applied for a court injunction at the London High Court to try to prevent ITN and the Guardian from publishing a story about him containing allegations that he abused his power to engage in “inappropriate sexual activities with a large number of girls and young women,” according to BBC News.
Walliams was not granted the injunction, meaning that these allegations may now be made public by the news organizations. He told the court that if the injunction was not granted and the stories were published, it was “highly likely” he would attempt to commit suicide. His lawyer told the court he had already attempted to do so twice before.
