David Walliams Allegations: What Options Are Available to People Who Want to Speak Out?

By Claire Glasgow, Head of Abuse Claims at Dean Wilson LLP

On 10 November 2026, The Guardian and ITV News published a joint investigation into allegations concerning David Walliams and his conduct towards a number of women.

Walliams denies all of the allegations made against him and has not been charged with any criminal offence. The recent High Court proceedings concerned whether the media investigation could be published; the court was not asked to determine whether the allegations themselves were true.

Dean Wilson LLP is not instructed in connection with David Walliams.

The story has, however, raised a wider and important question: how free are women to speak about inappropriate conduct, harassment or non-consensual sexual activity, and where can they turn if they want advice or support?

As a solicitor specialising in sexual assault and abuse claims, most recently in a civil claim against Russell Brand, I regularly advise people who are unsure about speaking out, reporting concerns or understanding what options may be available to them.

What Are the Allegations Against David Walliams?

The story of an unnamed celebrity seeking anonymity in the press about allegedly inappropriate conduct towards young women has dominated headlines for some time.

On 10 November, The Guardian and ITV News named the individual as actor and writer David Walliams.

A number of women have made allegations about Walliams’ conduct towards them when they were in their teens and he was in his 30s or 40s. It is alleged that some were as young as 15 when he began messaging them.

Walliams denies all of the allegations made about him, including allegations that he abused his power and position to pursue young women for sexual purposes.

Walliams’ lawyers had argued that identifying him would cause significant damage to his mental health and, in particular, that there was a risk of suicide.

However, the High Court ruled that the proposed reporting involved matters of substantial public interest and that the court did not have an obligation to protect Walliams from acts of self-harm. The judge noted that Walliams was receiving treatment and support and that healthcare professionals, rather than the court, were the appropriate body to manage that risk.

The Guardian reported that the judge considered an injunction would represent “an exceptionally serious interference” with press freedom and would also prevent the sources whose accounts formed part of the investigation from communicating their experiences to the public.

Walliams was given the opportunity to appeal and retained his anonymity while he considered his position. He did not appeal by the deadline and was subsequently named.

Importantly, the court’s decision concerned whether publication could be prevented. It did not determine whether the allegations made against Walliams were true.

How Free Are People to Speak About Inappropriate Conduct?

In general, people must be free to speak truthfully about their experiences of inappropriate conduct, harassment and non-consensual sexual activity.

There are also organisations and professionals who can help if someone faces barriers to speaking out or is worried about what may happen if they do.

People can seek confidential advice before deciding what action, if any, they want to take.

Depending on the circumstances, this may include speaking to:

• a relevant regulatory or industry body;
• the police;
• a solicitor; or
• a specialist support organisation.

Where there are allegations of non-consensual sexual activity, complainants may also have important anonymity protections.

The press is free to report allegations that are considered to be in the public interest, subject to the law and any applicable reporting restrictions. Equally, anyone who believes that false or unlawful material is being published about them can seek legal advice about the remedies available.

What If You Are Worried About Speaking Out?

It can be extremely difficult to speak about inappropriate conduct, harassment or sexual abuse.

Those concerns may be even greater where the other person is wealthy, well known, professionally influential or in a position of power.

Someone may be worried about:

• whether they will be believed;
• the impact on their career;
• confidentiality;
• legal threats;
• media attention; or
• the emotional impact of having to recount what happened.

You do not need to decide immediately whether you want to make a formal complaint, contact the police or pursue legal action.

Seeking confidential advice can simply help you understand your options and decide what, if anything, you want to do next.

What Support Is Available in the Media and Entertainment Industry?

People working in the media and entertainment industry can consider reporting concerns about harassment, inappropriate behaviour and assault to the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA).

Baroness Helena Kennedy, Chair of CIISA, has written about the support CIISA can provide.

In June 2026, Parliament recognised CIISA as an official whistleblowing body for people working in film, television, music and theatre.

Workers can report concerns confidentially to CIISA and may be entitled to legal protections, including in circumstances where they have signed non-disclosure agreements.

Can You Report Concerns to a Regulatory Body?

Depending on the profession involved, a relevant regulator may also be able to consider concerns about someone's conduct.

Examples include:

• the General Medical Council;
• the Financial Conduct Authority; and
• the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

The appropriate route will depend on the profession involved and the nature of the concern.

Can You Report Sexual Assault to the Police?

Any person who is concerned that a criminal offence, such as sexual activity without consent, has been committed can report their concerns to the police.

Whether someone wants to make a report is a personal decision, and specialist support can be helpful when considering what to do.

People who report that they have experienced rape or certain sexual offences are generally entitled to lifelong anonymity in media reporting.

Can You Speak to a Solicitor Without Reporting to the Police?

Yes.

Someone can seek confidential legal advice without first making a police report.

A solicitor specialising in sexual assault and abuse claims can explain the options that may be available based on the individual's circumstances.

Seeking advice does not commit someone to bringing a claim or taking any particular course of action.

For many people, an initial conversation is simply an opportunity to understand where they stand.

Do You Need a Criminal Conviction to Seek Advice About a Civil Claim?

No.

A criminal conviction is not always required before someone can seek advice about whether a civil claim may be possible.

Criminal proceedings and civil claims are separate legal processes.

A criminal prosecution considers whether an offence has been committed and, if so, what criminal sanction should follow. A civil personal injury claim is concerned with the harm experienced by an individual and whether compensation may be recoverable.

Whether a civil claim can be pursued without a criminal conviction will depend on the evidence and circumstances of the individual case.

What Legal Options May Be Available to Those Affected?

Where someone has experienced non-consensual sexual activity, there may in some circumstances be a personal injury claim against the individual responsible and, depending on the circumstances, potentially against an organisation connected with them.

A personal injury claim may seek compensation for:

• psychological or psychiatric injury;
• loss of earnings caused by that injury;
• specialist treatment or therapy costs; and
• other financial losses resulting from the harm experienced.

It can be difficult to access specialist trauma therapy through the NHS, and many people do not have the financial means to fund it privately.

Where a civil claim is appropriate and successful, compensation can help fund treatment and relieve financial pressure where someone's ability to work has been affected.

You can read more about Dean Wilson LLP's work in this area on our Sexual Abuse Claims page.

What If the Experience Happened When You Were Under 18?

People who experience sexual abuse as children or teenagers may not feel able to speak about what happened until many years later.

That delay is not unusual.

The law relating to limitation periods for civil claims involving childhood sexual abuse changed in England and Wales in 2026, and someone should not assume that they are unable to seek advice simply because a significant amount of time has passed.

The rules can be complex and will depend on the circumstances and type of claim involved.

Is There a Time Limit for Historic Sexual Abuse Claims?

Different time limits can apply depending on:

• the age of the person when the events occurred;
• the type of claim being considered; and
• the individual circumstances.

Historic sexual abuse claims can therefore require specialist advice.

If someone is concerned that too much time has passed, it is better to seek advice about their specific circumstances rather than assume that no options remain.

Can Adults Be Groomed?

The word grooming is often associated with children, but adults can also experience patterns of manipulation, exploitation or behaviour involving an imbalance of power, status, trust or influence.

Whether particular behaviour gives rise to any legal remedy depends on what actually happened and the individual circumstances.

Someone does not need to decide whether the word “grooming” legally applies before seeking advice.

If behaviour has made you uncomfortable or you are concerned about something you experienced, a confidential conversation can help you understand what options may be available.

What Is the Difference Between a Civil Claim and Criminal Injuries Compensation?

A civil claim is not the only potential route to compensation following sexual violence.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) operates a government scheme that may compensate eligible people who have been physically or mentally injured as a result of violent crime.

CICA applications are different from civil claims and have their own eligibility requirements and time limits.

You can read more on our Criminal Injuries Claims page or consult the GOV.UK Criminal Injuries Compensation guide.

My Experience Supporting People Through Civil Claims

I have represented many women and men seeking accountability through the civil route.

I have experience acting in sensitive and high-profile sexual assault and abuse claims, where concerns around privacy, reputation, power imbalances and media attention can make the process particularly daunting.

Where appropriate, I can act under a no win no fee agreement, meaning there is nothing to pay upfront to seek advice or during the lifetime of the case. Costs are dealt with at the end of a successful claim and are normally recoverable from the defendant in addition to any compensation recovered.

Our role is not to pressure someone into taking action. It is to listen, explain their options clearly and help them decide what is right for them.

Speak to Us in Confidence

If you have experienced sexual abuse, harassment, grooming or non-consensual sexual activity and would like confidential advice about your options, you can contact me, Claire Glasgow, Head of Abuse Claims at Dean Wilson LLP.

All communication will be treated confidentially, and an initial conversation does not commit you to taking any further action.

Email me at ceg@deanwilson.co.uk or call Dean Wilson LLP on 01273 249 200.

You can also make an enquiry through our Sexual Abuse Claims page.

If you are looking for emotional or practical support rather than legal advice, free and confidential help is available through Rape Crisis England & Wales and NAPAC.

Final Word

The key takeaway is that people should feel able to speak about their experiences, seek support and obtain confidential advice about the options available to them.

The fact that another person is famous, wealthy or influential should not prevent someone from asking for help or understanding their position.

Equally, a person who is the subject of allegations is entitled to deny them, obtain legal advice and respond through the appropriate legal channels.

The Walliams case has highlighted the difficult balance between privacy, freedom of expression and the ability of individuals to tell their own stories. Whatever someone's circumstances, access to clear information and confidential advice can help them make an informed decision about what they want to do next.