HarperCollins Drops David Walliams From Publishing Contract
David Walliams, the renowned children’s author and comedian, has been dropped by his publisher, HarperCollins UK. This decision came under the new leadership of CEO Kate Elton.
Details of the Decision
HarperCollins announced that no new titles by Walliams would be published after careful consideration. While the publisher did not comment on the specifics, reports indicate that this decision followed concerns regarding allegations of inappropriate behavior towards young women.
Walliams’ Publishing History
- HarperCollins published Walliams’ first children’s book, The Boy in the Dress, in 2008.
- He has sold over 60 million copies of his books globally, spanning 55 languages.
- Popular titles include Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, both adapted for television.
Walliams’ Career Highlights
Walliams gained fame through the TV series Little Britain. He is also known for his role as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent, winning multiple National Television Awards for his contributions. In 2017, he received an OBE for his services to charity and the arts.
Recent Changes at HarperCollins
The decision to drop Walliams comes shortly after the appointment of Kate Elton as CEO in October. The transition in leadership has brought significant changes within the company.
Future Implications
As HarperCollins shifts its focus, it remains to be seen how this decision will affect Walliams’ career moving forward. The publisher has not disclosed further details about their investigation or the impact on its relationship with previous authors.