David Walliams’ long-standing association with The Children’s Trust has quietly ended. The celebrated author and comedian is no longer an ambassador for the charity, a role he embraced with genuine enthusiasm since 2018.
When he first joined The Children’s Trust, Walliams expressed a deep connection to their mission, describing a “warm, caring atmosphere” and the “dedication of its staff.” He spoke of feeling “proud to be involved” with the inspiring young people the charity supports, a sentiment he voiced publicly upon accepting the ambassadorship.
The separation, confirmed earlier this year, predates recent allegations of inappropriate behavior that have led to other professional repercussions. His publisher, HarperCollins, has also ended their relationship with the author following these claims.
Walliams vehemently denies the allegations, and is seeking legal counsel. A spokesperson stated he was unaware of any investigation and was never given a chance to respond to the concerns raised.
Beyond The Children’s Trust, Walliams’ scheduled appearance at the 2026 Waterstones children’s book festival in Dundee has been cancelled. The bookseller confirmed HarperCollins made the decision to withdraw him from the event.
The BBC is facing scrutiny regarding upcoming content featuring Walliams, including a Christmas special of “Would I Lie To You?” filmed months ago. The episode includes a segment involving a Nazi salute, for which both the BBC and the production company have issued apologies, stating it will not be broadcast.
Despite the controversy, the BBC continued to air adaptations of Walliams’ popular children’s novels, “Mr Stink” and “The Boy in the Dress” over the weekend. The broadcaster’s decision sparked further discussion surrounding the handling of the situation.
HarperCollins, in a statement, emphasized their commitment to employee wellbeing and the existence of internal processes for addressing concerns. Reports suggest a former employee who voiced concerns received a substantial financial settlement and subsequently left the company.
