BBC removes David Walliams programmes from iPlayer while it reviews his material

Centre · 2The BBC has begun removing programmes featuring David Walliams from iPlayer, after a joint Guardian and ITV News investigation published on Tuesday 10 November made allegations of sexual misconduct against the comedian and author. 1 2 Centre · 2A BBC spokesperson said: "These are serious allegations. As such, the BBC is looking carefully at all material featuring and written by David Walliams on our platforms. We are in the process of removing some programmes, including Little Britain, whilst this review is underway." 1 2 Centre · 2Both outlets report that Little Britain, the 2011 Doctor Who episode "The God Complex" (in which Walliams played an alien called Gibbis), and episodes of The Wheel and Would I Lie To You? featuring Walliams have been taken down. 1 2

Centre · 2Digital Spy also lists the Would I Lie To You? Christmas special from last year, adaptations of Walliams's children's books such as Gangsta Granny, and an episode of Who Do You Think You Are?; Radio Times adds the airport mockumentary Come Fly With Me. 1 2 Centre · 2The investigation, which the outlets say drew on 30 sources and spanned more than three years, alleges Walliams "preyed on teenage girls and young women for sexual purposes", with allegations dating back to 2003. 1 2 Centre · 2Two women, now in their 30s, said they met Walliams at 15 and allege that they were groomed; one called her experience "sexual assault". Radio Times reports that one woman said contact began when she was 15, after meeting Walliams at a Little Britain fan event, with a sexual relationship starting at 17. 1 2

Centre · 2Walliams was also accused of using fame and power to pursue young women aged 17 to 22, and of inappropriate conduct and sexual harassment at Britain's Got Talent and at the publisher HarperCollins. 1 2 Centre · 2Walliams denies the allegations. In a letter to the journalists they wrote: "I am not a sexual predator. I have not broken the law", while acknowledging that they "behaved thoughtlessly" towards people they had casual sexual relationships with, and saying they never abused a power imbalance. 2 1 Centre · 1Digital Spy reports that the investigation was published after a court rejected a legal attempt by Walliams to prevent its publication. 1

Centre · 1Fremantle UK, which produces Britain's Got Talent, said no complaint had been made about Walliams to it, the broadcaster or the regulator in the four years since they left the show; Syco Entertainment said it had no knowledge of the allegations; and ITV said it was "very sorry to hear about the concerns" and that the producer has day-to-day responsibility for duty of care. 2 Centre · 1HarperCollins UK said it has decided not to publish any new titles by Walliams. Radio Times notes the publisher announced in September that it would no longer publish the back catalogue, and a spokesperson for Walliams said they had never been informed of any HarperCollins allegations, was not part of any investigation, "strongly denies" behaving inappropriately and is taking legal advice. 2