David Walliams faces misconduct claims dating back to 2003

TV personality and children's author David Walliams is facing allegations of sexual misconduct from several women, with claims dating back to 2003. The accusations, which emerged after Walliams lost a High Court bid to prevent their publication, involve alleged inappropriate and exploitative sexual activities. He has denied all claims.

One woman, identified as Jade by ITV News and The Guardian, alleges she was sexually assaulted and groomed by Walliams in 2007 when she was 15 years old. She described her experience as "completely wrong in every way" to the investigating journalists. Another woman, referred to as Alex, claimed she was having sex with Walliams by the age of 17.

Court Ruling on Reporting Ban

Walliams, 55, had sought an injunction to block the reporting of these allegations, citing a risk of suicide and a history of two previous suicide attempts. Mr Justice Nicklin, presiding over the High Court case, rejected the injunction request. Walliams was granted anonymity during the proceedings but was given until Monday to file an appeal against the ruling.

In a statement addressed to the journalists investigating the claims, Walliams stated: “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.” He acknowledged that he may have behaved "thoughtlessly" towards people he had casual sexual relationships with and regretted not always taking their feelings into account, but denied abusing his power.

Consequences and Denials

The allegations span Walliams' career, including his time on "Britain's Got Talent" and his work as a children's book author. Prior to the publication of these claims, book publisher HarperCollins dropped Walliams in December last year following an investigation into allegations of harassment. Alton Towers also permanently closed its "World of David Walliams" attraction earlier this month.

Walliams' lawyers stated that the suggestion he groomed Alex is false and has caused him significant distress. Walliams himself stated he believed Alex was 18 at the time they had sex.