UPDATE: The BBC is under intense scrutiny as it prepares to air David Walliams’ shows during the holiday season, despite his recent fallout with HarperCollins over allegations of inappropriate behavior. Just days ago, on December 21, the BBC confirmed it will broadcast an episode of Would I Lie To You? featuring Walliams on Boxing Day, alongside adaptations of his children’s books, Mr Stink and The Boy in the Dress.
The controversy erupted after an investigation by The Telegraph revealed allegations of harassment against Walliams, leading to his publisher HarperCollins severing ties. A female employee reportedly received a five-figure payout after raising concerns about Walliams’ conduct. An MP questioned the BBC’s decision, stating, “Innocent until proven guilty. But with the BBC’s record for getting it wrong, it probably would be better being safe than sorry.”
The Christmas edition of Would I Lie To You? has already faced backlash for an incident where Walliams made two Nazi salutes during recording, prompting the BBC to apologize and edit the scene out. Despite the uproar, the BBC has no plans to remove Walliams’ existing shows from iPlayer, including popular titles like Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy.
Walliams, currently vacationing at the luxurious Park Hyatt Hadahaa resort in the Maldives, has not publicly responded to the allegations. His agent stated that Walliams has not been informed of any allegations and strongly denies any wrongdoing, seeking legal advice on the matter.
The controversy comes on the heels of a leadership change at HarperCollins, with new CEO Charlie Redmayne implementing a review of the company’s publishing decisions. The firm stated, “HarperCollins takes employee wellbeing extremely seriously and has processes in place for reporting and investigating concerns.”
Walliams’ most recent children’s book, Fing, is being adapted into a film co-produced by Sky, with filming ongoing in Brisbane, Australia. Sky has yet to comment on the project’s future amidst the unfolding controversy.
These developments raise critical questions about the BBC’s commitment to ethical broadcasting as they prepare to air programs featuring Walliams despite the serious allegations against him. As public sentiment shifts, the BBC’s decision to continue airing Walliams’ content may face increasing backlash, making this a story to watch closely as it unfolds.
