Key Highlights
- The Metropolitan Police is investigating alleged non-recent serious sexual offences involving David Walliams.
- The force said the allegations are separate from complaints previously reported by ITN and The Guardian, but detectives are reviewing that reporting.
- Walliams, 55, denies wrongdoing and any allegations of criminal activity.
Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual offences which some readers may find distressing.
Met Police Investigate Alleged Sexual Offences Involving David Walliams
The Metropolitan Police is investigating alleged sexual offences involving David Walliams after receiving “a number of allegations of non-recent serious sexual offences involving a man now in his 50s” over the last few days.
The force said the allegations it has received are different from those previously reported by ITN and The Guardian. However, detectives are also “proactively reviewing that reporting to establish whether there is any evidence of offences.”
An investigation by ITN and The Guardian previously revealed complaints of sexual misconduct involving the television star. Walliams was named after temporary reporting restrictions preventing the media from identifying him were lifted.
David Walliams Denied Injunction and Rejects Allegations
The reports about David Walliams followed his attempts to obtain an injunction preventing the media from revealing his identity. Mr Justice Nicklin refused the application, ruling that granting it would be an ‘exceptionally serious interference’ with freedom of expression.
Walliams, aged 55, has denied wrongdoing and any allegations of criminal activity. In a letter understood to have been sent several months ago to journalists working on the investigations, Walliams said he recognised he ‘behaved thoughtlessly’ at times but insisted he had not broken the law.
Police Appeal for Anyone With Information to Come Forward
Detective Superintendent Mike Cagney encouraged anyone who believes they have been the victim of a sexual offence to contact police, regardless of when the alleged incident occurred.
“We would encourage anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence to come forward and speak to us, no matter when it happened.
He added that specialist officers were available to support people who report allegations of this nature.
“We know reporting allegations of this nature can be daunting but specialist officers are on hand to provide support, answer questions and guide you through the process.”
The Metropolitan Police has not confirmed how many alleged offences have been reported. It has also not specified what David Walliams is accused of, or when or where the alleged incidents are said to have taken place. LADbible Group has approached Walliams’ representatives for comment.
Why This Matters
The investigation concerns allegations that the Metropolitan Police describes as non-recent serious sexual offences. The force has distinguished the newly received allegations from the reporting by ITN and The Guardian while saying it is assessing whether that reporting contains evidence of offences. The next steps will depend on the police assessment and any further information provided by potential witnesses or alleged victims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Metropolitan Police investigating?
The Metropolitan Police is investigating alleged non-recent serious sexual offences involving David Walliams. The force said the allegations it received are separate from those previously reported by ITN and The Guardian, although detectives are reviewing that reporting.
What has David Walliams said?
David Walliams denies wrongdoing and any allegations of criminal activity. He has acknowledged that he ‘behaved thoughtlessly’ at times but has insisted he did not break the law.
Has the Metropolitan Police disclosed further details?
No. The force has not confirmed the number of alleged offences, the specific accusations, or when and where the alleged incidents are said to have occurred.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact The Survivors Trust for free on 08088 010 818, available 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm on Fridays, 10am-12.30pm on Saturdays and 6pm-8pm on Sundays.
