LONDON (AP) — British children's author and comedian David Walliams has denied allegations of inappropriate behavior after being dropped by publisher HarperCollins.
Walliams, 54, is one of Britain's best-selling children's book authors and a former judge on Britain's Got Talent.
In a statement on Friday, HarperCollins said: “After careful consideration and under the guidance of the new CEO, HarperCollins UK has decided not to publish any new works by David Walliams. The author is aware of this decision.”
A spokesman for Walliams said in a statement that he was “never informed of any allegations made against him by HarperCollins.”
“He was not involved in any investigation and had no opportunity to answer questions. David categorically denies that he acted inappropriately and is seeking legal advice,” the statement said.
The publisher said it would not comment on internal matters “to respect people's privacy.”
“HarperCollins takes employee well-being extremely seriously and has implemented processes to report and investigate concerns,” it said.
Walliams has published more than 40 children's books and sold more than 60 million copies worldwide, according to his website. Several of them, including Gangsta Granny, have been adapted into comedy dramas and BBC productions.
Walliams quit as a judge on Britain's Got Talent in 2022 after apologizing for making “disrespectful comments” towards audition contestants.
