Best-selling children's author David Walliams has been dropped by his publisher, following a British newspaper report of an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards junior employees.
The 54-year-old, who has sold more than 60 million books worldwide, strongly denies the allegations and says he was never informed of any concerns raised against him.
In a statement to the Daily Telegraph, HarperCollins said: "After careful consideration, and under the leadership of its new CEO, HarperCollins UK has decided not to publish any new titles by David Walliams. The author is aware of this decision."
The publisher added: "HarperCollins takes employee wellbeing extremely seriously and has processes in place for reporting and investigating concerns. To respect the privacy of individuals we do not comment on internal matters."
The Daily Telegraph reported the decision followed an investigation into claims Walliams had harassed junior female employees.
The newspaper, citing sources, reported that one woman who raised concerns had been given a five-figure payoff by the publisher and left, and that some junior staff were kept away from the author following the investigation.
A spokesperson for Walliams said in a statement to the BBC: "He was not party to any investigation or given any opportunity to answer questions.
"David strongly denies that he has behaved inappropriately and is taking legal advice."
The spokesperson said Walliams had "never been informed of any allegations raised against him" by his publisher, according to BBC News.
HarperCollins UK, the British division of the global publisher owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, appointed Kate Elton as its new chief executive in October.
HarperCollins published his first children's book, The Boy in the Dress, in 2008. His titles include Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, which have been adapted into television films. Walliams has faced previous controversies.
In 2022, he apologised after making what he called "disrespectful comments" about two Britain's Got Talent contestants during a break in filming.
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