David Walliams revealed as celebrity accused of sexual misconduct after losing anonymity fight

David Walliams has been named as the celebrity at the centre of a secrecy battle over sexual allegations. The children’s author and comedian is at the centre of allegations in a joint investigation by The Guardian and ITV News.Walliams, 55, denies all allegations against him, stating: “I am not a sexual predator... I have not broken the law”. The Standard has contacted Walliams’ agents and lawyer for comment. The celebrity had brought legal action against Guardian News and Media (GNM), publisher of The Guardian, and Independent Television News (ITN), which produces news programmes for ITV, Channel 4, Good Morning Britain and Channel 5, to stop them publishing details of a joint-investigation.During a two-day trial in late October, the High Court in London was told by lawyers for the media organisations that the allegations they wanted to report involved Walliam’s alleged “abuse of power and status” to contact young women and try to engage in “inappropriate and exploitative sexual activities”.Walliams sought an injunction to prevent this broadcast and publication because of a risk that he would take his own life, following two previous suicide attempts, the court was told.In a judgment on Tuesday, November 3, Mr Justice Nicklin dismissed the injunction bid. But Walliams could still not be named because he was granted the right to appeal the decision.The allegations made against Walliams on Tuesday are the lowest moment yet in the career of a man that until several years ago was considered one of showbusiness’s biggest stars, with hit TV shows and a hugely successful children’s writing career.Walliams was a judge on Britain’s Got Talent and was dubbed the heir apparent to Roald Dahl with dozens of best-selling books.His sketch comedy shows Little Britain and Come Fly With Me, written alongside fellow comedian Matt Lucas, had millions of viewers.But after damning revelations and allegations he lost his role at BGT, and lost his publishing contract with HarperCollins, amid the fallout from claims he harassed young women at the publisher. He strongly denied the claims, saying he he had "never been informed of any allegations raised against him".Read More"He was not party to any investigation or given any opportunity to answer questions”, a spokesperson for Walliams said in December.His barrister told the hearing In October that Walliams “has no intention of returning to public life”.This is a breaking news story and is being updated.* Samaritans can be contacted for free, day or night, 365 days a year, on 116 123, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.