Met Police Launch Criminal Investigation Into David Walliams 2026

The Metropolitan Police have launched a criminal investigation into David Walliams over allegations of serious sexual offences, marking a significant escalation in a case that has already gripped the nation. The probe follows reports by the Guardian and ITV News in which multiple women accused the 55-year-old television personality and children's author of using his power and celebrity status to prey on young women and teenagers for sex.

The announcement came after a court rejected Walliams' legal attempt to prevent publication of the allegations. He has denied any wrongdoing. The Met's investigation is now examining both the specific claims reported by the media and separate allegations that have since been brought forward by other individuals.

What the Met Police Investigation Entails

In a statement, the Met said it had received a number of allegations of non-recent serious sexual offences involving a man now in his 50s. Those who have come forward are being supported by specialist officers. Crucially, the police stressed that the allegations they are investigating are separate from those reported by ITN and the Guardian.

However, detectives are also proactively reviewing that reporting to establish whether there is any evidence of offences. Detective Superintendent Mike Cagney, whose team is leading the investigation, said: "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."

The involvement of specialist officers and the direct appeal for victims to come forward suggest the investigation is being treated with seriousness and could expand as more people potentially contact police.

Why the Court Rejection Matters

The allegations became public only after a court rejected Walliams' legal attempt to block publication. This is a pivotal moment because it underscores the tension between privacy injunctions and the public interest in reporting on alleged sexual misconduct by powerful figures.

The court's decision effectively lifted a veil of secrecy, allowing the media to report claims that had been kept under wraps. It also signals that the judiciary may be increasingly unwilling to grant injunctions that suppress allegations of this nature, particularly when multiple accusers are involved.

For a deeper look at the legal battle, see our analysis of how the court rejected the injunction on public interest grounds.

The Allegations Against Walliams

According to the Guardian and ITV News, multiple women have accused Walliams of using his fame and influence to pursue young women and teenagers for sex. The details are disturbing and have prompted widespread condemnation.

Walliams, one of Britain's best-known television personalities and a top-selling children's author, has strongly denied any wrongdoing. His legal team had sought to prevent the allegations from being published, but the court ruled against him.

The allegations have also raised questions about whether Walliams attempted to silence his accusers through non-disclosure agreements or other means. Our report on how Walliams tried to silence the allegations examines the tactics used to keep the claims secret.

The Broader Implications for the Entertainment Industry

The case has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, where Walliams has long been a household name. It raises familiar questions about the abuse of power and the culture of silence that often surrounds celebrities.

In recent years, the UK has seen a reckoning with historical sexual misconduct, and this case adds to a growing list of high-profile figures facing accountability. The Met's decision to investigate is a clear signal that allegations against celebrities will be taken seriously, even if they relate to non-recent events.

The case also highlights the role of the media in bringing such allegations to light. The Guardian and ITV News pursued the story despite legal attempts to suppress it, and their reporting is now being reviewed by police as part of the investigation.

What Happens Next

The Met's investigation is at an early stage, and it is unclear how many complainants have come forward or what specific offences are being investigated. Detectives are likely to interview Walliams and gather evidence from the media reports and any other sources.

The police appeal for victims to come forward suggests that more allegations may surface. The investigation could take months or even years to complete, and any decision on charges will be made by the Crown Prosecution Service.

In the meantime, Walliams' career and public image are likely to face significant scrutiny. Several brands and organisations may distance themselves from him, and his future in television and publishing is uncertain.

For a full breakdown of what Walliams has said and why the case matters, read our article on what Walliams has said and why it matters. The background to this story is set out in David Walliams Books Pulled From Homes After Sex Allegations.

Key Takeaways

• The Met Police have launched a criminal investigation into David Walliams over allegations of serious sexual offences.
• The investigation is separate from the allegations reported by the Guardian and ITV News, but police are reviewing that reporting.
• A court rejected Walliams' attempt to block publication of the allegations, allowing the media to report them.
• Walliams denies any wrongdoing and has not been charged.
• Police have appealed for any other victims to come forward.

Comparison of the Allegations and Police Investigation

FAQ

The case has also prompted political attention, with UK ministers moving to limit NDAs following the Walliams allegations. Our report on how UK ministers moved to limit NDAs after the Walliams allegations explains the proposed changes.

Walliams' history of making jokes about inappropriate behavior has also come under scrutiny. See our analysis of Walliams' jokes 'in plain sight' and the industry questions they raise.

For a detailed account of the accusations, read our article on Walliams being accused of preying on young women for sex.

Separately, the Met has faced criticism in other high-profile cases. Our report on the Putney Pusher case and the family's blame on Met Police pressure examines another controversy.

And as the Met investigates Reform UK donations, our coverage of the Met Police investigating Reform UK donations from a company provides further context on the force's broader workload.