HarperCollins will stop publishing comedian David Walliams‘ back catalog of books, while Deadline understands that talent agency YMU is no longer actively representing the Little Britain star.
The Rupert Murdoch-owned publishing house initially dropped Walliams last year following misconduct allegations, but has now confirmed that it will no longer represent his backlist. The decision was first reported by The Bookseller.
Walliams, who has written bestselling children’s books like Gangsta Granny and Mr Stink, has denied wrongdoing. Deadline has approached Walliams’ literary agent for comment. Independent Talent Group continues to oversee Walliams’ literary interests.
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Separately, YMU is no longer actively representing the comedian and his profile has been removed from the company’s website. A source said Walliams “is not currently in a commercial relationship with YMU” following amicable talks in early 2026. YMU has not severed ties with Walliams having previously represented his TV interests, including his time as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent.
In December 2025, The Daily Telegraph reported that Walliams was the subject of an internal investigation the previous year regarding his alleged behavior towards junior female HarperCollins employees.
The newspaper reported that Walliams was accused of harassing the young women, with one staffer receiving a “five-figure payoff” after raising concerns. Former HarperCollins employees alleged that they were told to work with Walliams, 54, in “pairs” and were advised not to visit his home.
In a statement to The Telegraph, his spokesperson said: “David has never been informed of any allegations raised against him by HarperCollins. 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.”
Walliams is an established presence on British television and beyond, having created and co-starred in Little Britain with Matt Lucas in the noughties. They have made attempts to revive the BBC comedy and even spoke to Netflix about a new series in 2020.
Walliams has appeared in series, including Doctor Who and Agatha Christie adaptation Partners in Crime, and had roles in movies, including Murder Mystery and Stardust.
He served as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent for a decade alongside Simon Cowell, but left the show under a cloud after comments he made about contestants were leaked to The Guardian in 2022. In one example, he called someone a “c***.” Walliams later apologized for his comments.
