Chloe Combi Says 2015 Warning Flagged David Walliams as Inappropriate for Schools
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Nov 11
Chloe Combi Says 2015 Warning Flagged David Walliams as Inappropriate for Schools
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Nov 11
Summary
Chloe Combi told BBC News she was warned in 2015 by a senior publishing figure not to book David Walliams for schools and to alert teachers he was "not an appropriate booking."
Combi said she had already heard "real concerns" and wider rumours in publishing, TV and celebrity circles about Walliams's behaviour around young female staff, describing it as an "open secret."
Her account adds to allegations published by the Guardian and ITV News from several women accusing Walliams of sexual misconduct, inappropriate behaviour and abusing his position; Walliams denies being a sexual predator or breaking the law.
HarperCollins, which published Walliams's children's books, said it would publish no new titles by him and had already announced in September it would stop publishing his back catalogue.
The allegations have widened scrutiny of media and comedy culture, with UK ministers and performers saying abuse and exploitation of young women remain entrenched in the industry.