Police launch investigation into David Walliams allegations as detectives review reports

Met opens criminal investigation

The force said the allegations being investigated are separate from those reported by the Guardian and ITV. It added that detectives would also examine that reporting to see whether it contained evidence of offences.

Some people who complained to police are understood to have spoken to detectives this week. Their initial accounts led the Met to begin a full criminal investigation.

Walliams responds to allegations

In a letter to journalists working on the media investigation, Walliams said he recognised that he had sometimes acted thoughtlessly toward people with whom he had casual sexual relationships. He also said he was not a sexual predator and had not broken the law. Walliams said he was devastated that some women he met 10 to 20 years ago had since expressed hurt or anger toward him.

Earlier reports and accounts

The Guardian’s reporting included accounts from two women who said they first met Walliams when they were 15. Now in their 30s, they said they felt he had groomed them about two decades ago and that the experience continued to affect them.

The Guardian and ITV News reported that their joint investigation had heard from 30 sources with first-hand accounts of Walliams’s conduct. The Met said it was reviewing that reporting as part of its inquiries.

Police contact and support

Support in the UK is available from Rape Crisis, Napac and Samaritans. Their numbers are 0808 500 2222 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland, 0808 801 0331 for Napac, and 116 123 for Samaritans.