What's happened
David Walliams has been removed from the Waterstones Children’s Book Festival in Dundee following allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards women. His publisher, HarperCollins, dropped him after an investigation. Walliams denies the allegations and is taking legal advice. The festival will proceed without him on February 7.
What's behind the headline?
The removal of Walliams from the festival underscores the growing accountability for public figures accused of misconduct. The decision by HarperCollins to cease publishing his work signals a shift in industry standards, emphasizing employee and public safety over commercial interests. Walliams’ denial and legal action suggest ongoing disputes that could influence his career trajectory. The timing, ahead of his scheduled appearance, indicates a swift response to allegations, reflecting broader societal movements against harassment. This case exemplifies how allegations can impact a celebrity’s professional engagements, even amid denial, and highlights the importance of transparent investigations in maintaining public trust.
What the papers say
Sky News reports that Waterstones confirmed Walliams will no longer appear at the Dundee festival following allegations and HarperCollins' investigation. The Guardian details the allegations of harassment and HarperCollins' decision not to publish new titles, emphasizing Walliams' denial and legal stance. The Scotsman highlights the festival's removal of Walliams from the lineup and provides background on his career and previous controversies, including his departure from Britain’s Got Talent and past remarks on BBC. All sources note the ongoing dispute and the industry’s response to misconduct allegations, illustrating a broader shift in accountability for public figures.
How we got here
Walliams, a bestselling children’s author and comedian, was scheduled to appear at the Dundee festival in February. His publisher, HarperCollins, dropped him after an investigation into allegations of harassment towards young women, including a settlement with one complainant. Walliams denies the allegations and claims he was not informed of any investigation or given a chance to respond. The controversy follows previous incidents, including his departure from Britain’s Got Talent and past remarks on a BBC show.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Was David Walliams Dropped from the Dundee Festival?
David Walliams, a well-known children's author and comedian, was recently removed from the Dundee Waterstones Children’s Book Festival amid serious allegations. This has sparked widespread discussion about accountability and the impact of misconduct accusations on celebrities' careers. If you're wondering what led to his removal, how the public is reacting, and what this means for other public figures, you've come to the right place. Below, we answer the most common questions about this controversy.
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Stay updated with the latest headlines shaping the world right now. From political clashes over AI regulation to ongoing conflicts in Gaza, and major shifts in regional politics, these stories are influencing global events. Curious about how these stories connect or what they mean for you? Read on for clear, concise answers to your top questions about today's top news.
More on these topics
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David Edward Williams OBE, known professionally as David Walliams, is an English comedian, actor, writer, and television personality.
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HarperCollins Publishers LLC is one of the world's largest publishing companies and is one of the Big Five English-language publishing companies, alongside Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, Hachette, and Macmillan.
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Waterstones, formerly Waterstone's, is a British book retailer that operates 283 shops, mainly in the United Kingdom and also other nearby countries. As of February 2014, it employs around 3,500 staff in the UK and Europe.