High Court rejects David Walliams bid to block allegations

David Walliams has been named as the celebrity who attempted to prevent the publication of allegations of sexual misconduct and grooming. The High Court in London refused his application for an injunction to halt reporting by Independent Television News (ITN) and Guardian News and Media (GNM), publisher of The Guardian. The judge, Mr Justice Nicklin, ruled that granting the injunction would constitute an "exceptionally serious interference" with freedom of expression.

Multiple women have accused Walliams of sexually inappropriate behaviour and grooming, with some allegations involving individuals when they were teenagers. The claims are detailed in a joint investigation by The Guardian and ITV News. Walliams denies all allegations against him. Lawyers for the media organisations stated that their investigation was "wide-ranging and rigorous," involving interviews with over 100 people, including more than 30 with first-hand accounts.

Read Next in Barnet Press3 min read

Met Police recognised for response to antisemitic attacks

Hendon Town Hall ceremony honours officers and Jewish community groups for efforts in northwest London.

Mental Health Concerns Raised in Court

Walliams' legal team argued that publication of the allegations would have a "potentially fatal impact" on his mental health, citing two previous suicide attempts and long-term trauma. His lawyers stated that the only reason the impact would not be fatal was if he were "locked up and prevented from his desire to end his life." Walliams had been detained under the Mental Health Act in October, and the court was informed that hospitals and health staff caring for him had "assumed responsibility" for his immediate safety.

In his judgment, Mr Justice Nicklin noted that granting the injunction would not address Walliams' psychiatric condition or eliminate his elevated risk of suicide. He concluded that the state's assumption of responsibility for Walliams' safety through hospital care provided significant protection, materially reducing the likelihood of suicide.

Related Borough Coverage3 min read

Barnet Residents Face Wi-Fi Rage Within 12 Seconds

New research indicates patience for slow internet is minimal, with bedrooms identified as a common dead zone.

Background to the Allegations

The allegations against Walliams also include claims of inappropriate conduct and sexual harassment at his former publisher, HarperCollins, and during his time working on Britain's Got Talent. HarperCollins dropped the author in December 2025 following an investigation into allegations of harassment, which Walliams denied. Earlier this month, the theme park Alton Towers permanently closed its "World of David Walliams" attraction. Walliams left Britain's Got Talent in 2022 after apologising for disrespectful comments made about auditioning contestants in January 2020.

Walliams, 55, issued a statement in response to the joint investigation, stating: "Looking back, I realise that at times I behaved thoughtlessly towards other people I had casual sexual relationships with. I realise I did not always take people’s feelings properly into account. That is something I regret." He added, "I am not a sexual predator. I have not broken the law. I am devastated that some of the women I met ten to twenty years ago have now expressed hurt or anger towards me."