The English children’s author David Walliams has been dropped by his publisher following allegations of harassment, Reuters reports.
HarperCollins UK severed ties with Walliams, saying in a statement, “After careful consideration, and under the leadership of its new CEO, HarperCollins UK has decided not to publish any new titles by David Walliams. The author is aware of this decision.” According to the industry newsletter Publishers Lunch, Harper 360, which publishes Walliams’ books in the U.S., will not release any of his books either.
Walliams is well known in the U.K. as the co-star of the sketch comedy series Little Britain, which ran from 2003 to 2006, and as a judge for the series Britain’s Got Talent. He made his literary debut in 2008 with the children’s book The Boy in the Dress, illustrated by Quentin Blake, and has gone on to write more than 40 books for young readers.
The Telegraph reports that Walliams has been accused of inappropriate behavior toward women who worked at HarperCollins UK. The publisher investigated the claims against Walliams last year, and afterwards, acted to keep the author away from some of its staffers.
A spokesperson for Walliams told the BBC, “He was not party to any investigation or given any opportunity to answer questions. David strongly denies that he has behaved inappropriately and is taking legal advice.”
The Guardian reports that Walliams has also been removed from the lineup of the upcoming Waterstones Children’s Book Festival in Dundee, Scotland.
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
