Back to News
David Walliams’ back catalogue dropped by book publisher HarperCollins after ‘inappropriate conduct’ claims
Music News•September 19, 2026 at 9:31 AMNational

David Walliams’ back catalogue dropped by book publisher HarperCollins after ‘inappropriate conduct’ claims

By Tom Skinner•NME Music News

The comedian and writer "strongly denied" the accusations late last year The post David Walliams’ back catalogue dropped by book publisher HarperCollins after ‘inappropriate conduct’ claims appeared first on NME.

David Walliams’ book back catalogue has reportedly been dropped by publisher HarperCollins, following claims of “inappropriate conduct”.

The actor, comedian and writer has written 23 children’s books, all of which were published by HarperCollins. They have sold over 60million copies worldwide, with several of them being adapted for TV.

These include his 2008 debut novel, The Boy In The Dress, 2010’s Billionaire Boy, and 2021’s Gangsta Granny Strikes Again!.

Now, it is being reported that HarperCollins is set to phase out remaining copies of Walliams’ books. This follows the company announcing in late 2025 that it would not release any new titles by the Little Britain star after “careful consideration”.

HarperCollins has now confirmed that it has dropped Walliams’s backlist, per The Bookseller. The outlet claimed that the publisher would gradually phase out stock of Walliams’s books in shops, as well as e-book and audio versions available online.

Walliams is yet to comment on the new report. However, a representative for the writer issued a statement in December 2025, reading: “David strongly denies that he has behaved inappropriately and is taking legal advice.”

They said the writer had “never been informed of any allegations raised against him by HarperCollins”, adding: “He was not party to any investigation or given any opportunity to answer questions.”

HarperCollins said at the time that it had “processes in place for reporting and investigating concerns” about the wellbeing of their employees. “To respect the privacy of individuals, we do not comment on internal matters,” it continued.

Shortly afterwards, the Waterstones Children’s Book Festival axed Walliams from its line-up (via The Independent).

Walliams, 55, rose to fame in the early 2000s as the co-creator and star of the BBC sketch show Little Britain alongside Matt Lucas, and was a judge on Britain’s Got Talent from 2012 until 2022. He made his exit from the ITV show after apologising over a recording that emerged of him making “disrespectful” comments towards contestants.

The comedian subsequently sued BGT’s production company FremantleMedia for the leaking of the private remarks, and the dispute was settled in late 2023.

The post David Walliams’ back catalogue dropped by book publisher HarperCollins after ‘inappropriate conduct’ claims appeared first on NME.

Related News

BBC director general defends plan to shelve new Archers studio
EntertainmentMusic News

BBC director general defends plan to shelve new Archers studio

Plans to build a bespoke studio for the long-running Radio 4 soap were shelved this week.

BBC Entertainment & Arts1 hour ago
Watch Peven Everett make emotional return to the stage with Gorillaz after reaching major milestone in stage 4 cancer treatment
Music News

Watch Peven Everett make emotional return to the stage with Gorillaz after reaching major milestone in stage 4 cancer treatment

“This was the hardest show I’ve ever had to do but I’d do anything for Damon Albarn, Jamie Hewlett and Gorillaz” The po...

NME Music News1 hour ago
Tinie Tempah says he will finally visit Scunthorpe after campaign by fans
UK NewsEntertainmentShowbizMusicMusic News

Tinie Tempah says he will finally visit Scunthorpe after campaign by fans

Rapper to visit Lincolnshire town 16 years after saying he had never been there in his hit Pass OutThe rapper Tinie Temp...

The Guardian Music2 hours ago
‘Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time’s soundtrack gets orchestral vinyl reissue
Music News

‘Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time’s soundtrack gets orchestral vinyl reissue

‘Hero Of Time’ was originally released back in 2017 The post ‘Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time’s soundtrack gets orches...

NME Music News2 hours ago
Stevie Wonder review – playing ​his greatest album in full, he knocks everyone sideways
EntertainmentMusicMusic News

Stevie Wonder review – playing ​his greatest album in full, he knocks everyone sideways

Utilita Arena, BirminghamThe opening night of Wonder’s tour marking the 50th anniversary of Songs in the Key of Life lea...

The Guardian Music2 hours ago
Marika Hackman announces new album ‘False Dogs’ and tackles “the dull ache of nostalgia” on bittersweet single ’33′
Music News

Marika Hackman announces new album ‘False Dogs’ and tackles “the dull ache of nostalgia” on bittersweet single ’33′

She has also shared details of her biggest UK and European tour to date The post Marika Hackman announces new album ‘Fa...

NME Music News2 hours ago

More From These Categories

Music News

View All

No other articles in this category yet.