Comedian Lucy Beaumont intervened to support a junior television worker concerned about the behavior of entertainer David Walliams, fearing the action would brand her as a troublemaker and end her career.
Beaumont spoke to The Guardian and ITV News during their three-year joint investigation into the children’s author.
Walliams has been accused by multiple women of using his power and celebrity status to prey on young women and teenagers for sex. He denies any wrongdoing.
“I know everyone I know knows this, and I don’t hear anybody talking about it,” Beaumont told Sky News, adding that she did not think she would work in television again.
The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation into Walliams over reports of alleged serious sexual offences, JournalArta reported. The force stated the allegations are separate from media reports, though detectives are reviewing prior reporting for potential evidence.
Beaumont said she was approached by a young television worker who alleged he was asked to take young women to Walliams’ dressing room. Similar allegations emerged during The Guardian investigation, though Beaumont did not witness the behavior herself.
Many television insiders share the belief that speaking out against high-profile figures carries a professional cost. Beaumont said that television lacks a proper human resources department to handle such complaints.
“The reason high-profile people aren’t saying anything is because they lose work, you’re seen as, you might be a trouble-causer,” Beaumont said. “I will slowly start getting less work, we’re all paid really well … no one wants to mess that up.”
In 2023, Beaumont stated on a podcast that predatory male behavior had previously held her back in the comedy circuit. She said that incidents occurred where workers in other industries would rely on HR departments.
Following her disclosures, The Guardian reported that Beaumont’s book Drinking Custard: The Diary of a Confused Mum sold out in paperback and hardback on Amazon. Fans also purchased tickets for her current comedy tour while posting messages of support online.
“I’ve been flooded with support because people felt something,” Beaumont wrote in The Guardian. “They feel the same about these young women as I do and for a lot of women watching and reading, they’ve been in their shoes.”
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police urged additional victims to come forward. Detective Superintendent Mike Cagney acknowledged the difficulty of reporting such incidents.
“We know reporting allegations of this nature can be daunting, but specialist officers are on hand to provide support, answer questions and guide you through the process,” Cagney said.
Multiple women have accused Walliams of sexual misconduct, including unwanted advances and grooming teenagers, with one alleging a sexual assault when she was 15. Walliams strongly denies all allegations of criminal activity and sexual contact with minors.
While Beaumont expressed fear that speaking out would end her career, her book sold out on Amazon and fans flooded her with messages of praise and ticket purchases for her tour.
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