The Metropolitan police have confirmed they are conducting a criminal investigation into David Walliams in connection with alleged sexual misconduct.
Walliams, 55, has been accused by multiple women of exploiting his power and celebrity status to prey on young women and teenagers for sex, according to reporting by the Guardian and ITV News. The details came to light after a court rejected a legal bid by Walliams to stop the allegations from being published. He has denied any wrongdoing.
Walliams is among Britain's most recognisable television personalities and one of the country's top-selling children's authors.
Announcing the investigation, the Met said the serious allegations it is examining are distinct from those covered by news organisations. In a statement, the force 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."
The statement added: "Those who have come forward are being supported by specialist officers."
The Met clarified that "the allegations are separate from those reported by ITN and the Guardian." Even so, the force said detectives are proactively reviewing the published reporting as part of their work, in order to establish whether it contains evidence of offences.
Det Supt Mike Cagney, whose team is leading the investigation, appealed for other potential victims to contact police. "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," he said.
"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," Cagney added.
Members of the public can pass information to police by calling 101 and quoting the reference 4900/10NOV26. Information can also be given directly to the complex sexual offences unit on 0207 175 2738.
