David Walliams removed from children's book festival line-up

David Walliams has been removed from the line-up for a children's publication event.

Book retailer Waterstones has confirmed the writer volition nary longer look astatine its Children's Book Festival.

It comes aft the TV prima was dropped by his steadfast HarperCollins UK pursuing allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards women.

Walliams powerfully denies allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

A connection from Waterstones said: "HarperCollins person confirmed that David Walliams volition nary longer beryllium appearing astatine our festival successful Dundee."

The festival volition span crossed 3 locations, besides including Lincoln and Taunton. The Dundee lawsuit volition instrumentality spot connected 6 and 7 February.

Walliams has been removed from the listed speakers database connected the festival website.

The 54-year-old comedian, who changeable to fame with the BBC sketch amusement Little Britain, is 1 of the country's best-selling children's writers.

He has written much than 40 books, which person sold much than 60 cardinal copies worldwide and been translated into 55 languages, according to his website.

A spokesperson for HarperCollins UK said it had decided not to merchandise immoderate caller titles by Walliams "after cautious consideration, and nether the enactment of its caller CEO".

"HarperCollins takes worker well-being highly earnestly and has processes successful spot for reporting and investigating concerns," they added.

"To respect the privateness of individuals, we bash not remark connected interior matters."

In a connection aboriginal connected Friday, a spokesperson for the comedian and children's writer said: "David has ne'er been informed of immoderate allegations raised against him by HarperCollins.

"He was not enactment to immoderate probe oregon fixed immoderate accidental to reply questions. David powerfully denies that helium has behaved inappropriately and is taking ineligible advice."

The quality followed a study from The Daily Telegraph that Walliams was dropped aft an probe into allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards young women.