David Walliams named after failed injunction bid

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 10 Nov, 13:01 · Archive

David Walliams failed in a High Court bid to block ITN and The Guardian from publishing allegations of sexual misconduct.

David Walliams took legal action against Independent Television News and The Guardian News and Media to block publication of allegations against him. The allegations included sexual misconduct, possible criminal behaviour, and abuse of power and status to contact young women and engage in inappropriate and exploitative sexual activities. Walliams denied the claims.

Walliams argued that publication posed a serious risk to his life, citing two previous suicide attempts. His legal representatives said he had no plans to return to public life and that his mental health concerns were genuine. However, Mr Justice Nicklin refused the injunction, ruling it would be an exceptionally serious interference with freedom of expression. The judge noted that Walliams' detention under the Mental Health Act meant the state had assumed responsibility for his immediate safety and could provide significant protection.

Walliams was granted anonymity during the court proceedings but was publicly named after his injunction was dismissed and the stories were published on Tuesday. Reporters had spoken to more than 100 people as part of the investigation, including more than 30 first-hand sources.

David Walliams named after failed injunction bid — Image: Colchester Gazette

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How it is being reported

David Walliams named as celebrity in failed High Court injunction bidDavid Walliams named after High Court rejects injunction blocking ITN and Guardian reports on denied allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of power.Colchester Gazette · 10 Nov, 12:36
David Walliams named as celebrity in failed High Court injunction bidDavid Walliams named after High Court rejects injunction blocking ITN and Guardian reports on denied allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of power.Echo (Basildon) · 10 Nov, 12:36
David Walliams named as celebrity in failed High Court injunction bidDavid Walliams named after High Court rejects injunction blocking ITN and Guardian reports on denied allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of power.Brentwood Guardian · 10 Nov, 12:36

In this story: David Walliams · Independent Television News · The Guardian · Mr Justice Nicklin

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