The festive television schedule is set to include a David Walliams special, even as the author and comedian faces renewed scrutiny following serious allegations. The BBC has confirmed the broadcast of theWould I Lie To YouChristmas episode on Boxing Day, a decision made despite a significant shift in the broadcaster’s relationship with the star.
This comes after Walliams was dropped by his publisher, HarperCollins, amid claims of inappropriate behavior towards junior female employees. He vehemently denies the accusations and is seeking legal counsel, a spokesperson stated, leaving a cloud of uncertainty surrounding the claims and his future projects.
The BBC’s announcement clarifies that, while existing commitments will be honored, there are currently no plans for future collaborations with Walliams. This signals a clear distancing from the author, though the immediate holiday programming will proceed as planned.
TheWould I Lie To Youepisode itself carries additional controversy. Footage surfaced earlier this year showing Walliams performing Nazi salutes during filming, prompting apologies from both the BBC and the production company. The segment was immediately deemed unacceptable and will not be aired.
Beyond the game show, children’s programming featuring Walliams’ work is also scheduled for broadcast. Adaptations of his popular novels,Mr StinkandThe Boy in the Dress, are set to air on CBBC, raising questions about the appropriateness of continuing to showcase his creations.
This isn’t the first time Walliams has faced public backlash. He was previously removed fromBritain’s Got Talentafter leaked audio revealed offensive remarks made about female contestants. The recordings included disparaging comments and inappropriate language, leading to a public apology and a legal settlement with the production company.
The leakedBritain’s Got Talenttranscript revealed a disturbing pattern of demeaning language, with Walliams allegedly making highly offensive and sexually suggestive comments about auditionees. He later expressed regret for the “disrespectful” remarks, claiming they were intended as private conversations.
HarperCollins’ decision to sever ties with Walliams followed an internal investigation, reportedly resulting in a substantial payout to an employee who raised concerns about his behavior. The investigation, however, was conducted without Walliams’ knowledge or participation, according to his spokesperson.
Walliams rose to prominence as a children’s author in 2008, publishing over 40 bestselling books, including the widely popularGangsta Granny. His success has made him a household name, but his career is now overshadowed by these serious allegations and past controversies.
Further complicating matters, Walliams’ earlier sketch comedy work with Matt Lucas,Little Britain, has come under fire for its use of racially insensitive characters and blackface. The duo issued an apology in 2020, acknowledging the harm caused by their past portrayals.
In a recent interview, Walliams described “cancel culture” as “exhausting,” defending the importance of pushing boundaries in comedy. He argued that a constant fear of causing offense would stifle creativity and limit artistic expression.
