Schools and libraries review David Walliams books after allegations

Summarised from 4 outlets · 6 reports · Updated 12 Nov, 23:03 · Archive

Schools and libraries are reviewing whether to stock David Walliams books following allegations of sexual misconduct against the author.

Schools and libraries across England are reviewing their stock of David Walliams books following an investigation by The Guardian and ITV News that named him as facing sexual misconduct allegations.

Collingwood Boys' School in Wallington, which Walliams attended as a primary school pupil, said it was 'revisiting its collection' as part of its ongoing review process. A spokesperson said: 'The current situation surrounding David Walliams has prompted us to revisit our collection as part of this ongoing process, rather than as an isolated or reactive decision.'

Other authorities have taken different approaches. Camden Council announced it is removing Walliams books from display in its public libraries, stating: 'Following these allegations, we believe the most appropriate action is to remove these books from display.' However, schools in Camden are deciding individually whether to retain his books. The Oasis Charitable Trust, which runs 59 schools across England, issued guidance to headteachers to temporarily remove Walliams books. By contrast, Kent County Council confirmed there are 'no plans' to remove his titles from Kent Libraries, adding that it manages stock in line with national guidance. Local authority-maintained schools in Kent will make their own decisions.

The allegations centre on claims by multiple women, including two who said they first met Walliams when aged 15, alleging grooming. One woman alleges she was sexually assaulted by him at 15. Other allegations concern his behaviour towards women connected to Britain's Got Talent and his former publisher HarperCollins.

Walliams, 55, who has sold more than 50 million copies of his children's books worldwide, sought a High Court injunction to block publication of the investigation but was denied. He denies all allegations against him. In a statement, he said: 'Looking back, I realise that at times I behaved thoughtlessly towards other people I had casual sexual relationships with' and 'I am not a sexual predator.'

How it is being reported

• Did you know accused comedian David Walliams has links to Sutton?David Walliams, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women, went to school in Wallington and grew up in neighbouring Banstead.Croydon Guardian · 12 Nov, 17:00
• Did you know accused comedian David Walliams has links to Sutton?David Walliams, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women, went to school in Wallington and grew up in neighbouring Banstead.This Is Local London · 12 Nov, 17:00
• David Walliams books removed from schools and libraries in London amid ‘grooming for sex’ claimsCamden Council takes Walliams books off library shelvesEvening Standard · 12 Nov, 14:20
• 'No plans' to remove David Walliams books from Kent libraries after allegationsDavid Walliams books will not be removed from Kent libraries following allegations of sexual misconduct, Kent County Council has confirmed.News Shopper · 12 Nov, 12:00
• David Walliams' old school in Wallington reviews whether to remove his booksCollingwood Boys' School in Wallington is reviewing its collection of David Walliams books following sexual misconduct allegations against the author.Croydon Guardian · 12 Nov, 10:35
• David Walliams' old school in Wallington reviews whether to remove his booksCollingwood Boys' School in Wallington is reviewing its collection of David Walliams books following sexual misconduct allegations against the author.This Is Local London · 12 Nov, 10:35

In this story: David Walliams · Collingwood Boys' School · The Guardian · ITV News · Camden Council · Kent County Council · Oasis Charitable Trust · HarperCollins

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