BREAKING NEWS: The Metropolitan Police have confirmed a criminal investigation is under way after receiving a number of new allegations of non-recent serious sexual offences involving the comedian and former Britain’s Got Talent judge.
The Metropolitan Police have launched a criminal investigation into fresh allegations of serious sexual offences involving David Walliams, marking a major development in the growing controversy surrounding the television star.
Detectives confirmed that they had received a number of allegations involving a man now in his 50s, with specialist officers providing support to those who have come forward.
The latest allegations are separate from those reported earlier this week in a major joint investigation by The Guardian and ITV News. However, police have confirmed they are also examining that reporting as part of their enquiries to establish whether any further offences may have been committed.
The announcement comes after days of intense scrutiny surrounding Walliams, following reports containing allegations about his conduct towards young women and teenagers during his career in television and entertainment.
Detective Superintendent Mike Cagney, who is leading the investigation, has urged anyone who believes they may have been the victim of a sexual offence to contact police, regardless of how long ago the alleged incident took place.
He said:
“We would encourage anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence to come forward and speak to us, no matter when it happened.
“We know reporting allegations of this nature can be daunting, but specialist officers are on hand to provide support, answer questions and guide you through the process.”
Police confirm fresh allegations are being investigated
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that several people had recently come forward with allegations of non-recent serious sexual offences.
The force stressed that these allegations are separate from those already made public by The Guardian and ITV News.
However, detectives are proactively reviewing the earlier reporting to determine whether it contains evidence of criminal offences.
The Met statement said:
“In recent days, the Met has received a number of allegations of non-recent serious sexual offences involving a man now in his 50s.
“Those who have come forward are being supported by specialist officers” said a statement released by the Met..
“The allegations are separate from those reported by ITN and the Guardian. However, as part of their investigation, detectives are also proactively reviewing that reporting to establish whether there is any evidence of offences.”
The confirmation represents a significant development from the force’s earlier position, when officers had said they were aware of media reports but had not received related reports of sexual assault or other offences.
The investigation now involves allegations that have been formally brought to the attention of police.
No charges have been announced, and the existence of an investigation does not establish that any offence has taken place.
What are the allegations involving David Walliams?
The police announcement follows a three-year investigation by The Guardian and ITV News, published earlier in November.
The joint investigation detailed allegations from multiple women concerning Walliams’ alleged behaviour towards young women and teenagers over a number of years.
Some of the accounts related to encounters when the women were teenagers, including allegations concerning contact that began when they were 15.
One woman alleged that she was sexually assaulted when she was 15. Other women described experiences they characterised as grooming.
The reporting also examined allegations of inappropriate conduct towards women connected with the television industry, including during Walliams’ time as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent.
The investigation involved interviews with more than 30 sources, according to the news organisations.
Walliams has strongly denied the allegations and rejected claims that he used his celebrity status to exploit or manipulate women and girls.
He has previously stated:
“I am not a sexual predator… I have not broken the law”.
He has also expressed regret over how some people may have felt about his past relationships, while denying that he abused his position of influence.
It is important to stress that the allegations remain allegations. Walliams has not been convicted of any offence in connection with these claims.
How to contact police with information
The Metropolitan Police have appealed directly to anyone with relevant information or who believes they may have been affected to come forward.
Anyone wishing to report information can contact police through the following channels:
- Telephone: 101
- Reference number: 4900/10NOV26
- Metropolitan Police Complex Sexual Offences Unit: 0207 175 2738
Police say specialist officers are available to provide support, answer questions and explain the reporting process.
Detectives have emphasised that people should not feel discouraged from coming forward because of the amount of time that has passed since an alleged incident.
The force has also acknowledged that reporting sexual offences can be daunting and says those who make contact will receive appropriate support.
A growing controversy surrounding the former Britain’s Got Talent judge
The latest police announcement comes during an exceptionally difficult week for Walliams, whose professional career has come under increasing scrutiny following the publication of the allegations.
The comedian, best known for Little Britain and his hugely successful children’s books, has enjoyed decades of success in British entertainment.
He became a household name alongside Matt Lucas through the BBC comedy series Little Britain before moving into television entertainment, children’s publishing and judging Britain’s Got Talent.
However, the recent reports have prompted a wider examination of his conduct and professional relationships.
The BBC has confirmed that it is reviewing material featuring Walliams, with some programmes being removed from its platforms while that review takes place.
His former talent agency, Independent Talent Group, has also confirmed that it no longer represents him.
The controversy has raised wider questions about safeguarding, power imbalances within the entertainment industry and how organisations respond when allegations are made against high-profile figures.
The latest development means the matter is now the subject of a criminal investigation, rather than solely media reporting and public debate.
What happens next?
Detectives will now assess the allegations received by the Metropolitan Police and examine whether there is sufficient evidence to pursue criminal offences.
The force has also confirmed that it will review the reporting published by The Guardian and ITV News as part of its wider investigation.
Anyone with information is being encouraged to contact the police, with specialist officers available to support potential victims.
For now, no charges have been announced and the investigation remains ongoing.
Walliams denies wrongdoing, and any allegations will need to be examined through the appropriate legal process.
The police investigation is expected to bring further attention to the claims that have emerged in recent days, as detectives work to establish the facts.