Transmission Films, the distributor of the children’s fantasy film Fing!, said in a statement that David Walliams, a co-writer of the film, will no longer appear in the movie or participate in its media campaign ahead of its 14 January cinema debut. The film’s producers have also confirmed that Walliams’ cameo has been removed.

Allegations prompt removal from film and streaming platform

The decision comes after a three-year joint investigation by the Guardian UK and ITV News revealed allegations that Walliams engaged in sexual harassment over a number of years, including grooming fans as young as 15 and inappropriate workplace behavior. Walliams has denied the allegations.

The 55-year-old comedian and author, who is also a recipient of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), attempted to block the publication of the allegations by taking a case to the UK high court. The case was dismissed.

Streaming and distribution partners withdraw support

In response to the allegations, the streaming service Stan has confirmed it will no longer host the film after its cinema release. A spokesperson said, “In light of the recent and serious allegations against David Walliams, Stan has removed Fing! from its content slate.”

The film’s US distributor, Angel Studios, has also removed Walliams’ cameo from the film and will exclude him from its US marketing materials. Angel Studios said in a statement to Variety, “We take the allegations reported regarding David Walliams seriously. We have removed his cameo appearance from Fing!, and he will have no involvement in the film’s release or promotion.”

The film’s UK-Ireland distributor, Sky, has confirmed it will completely abandon the project. A Sky spokesperson said, “The allegations made against David Walliams are extremely serious. We have notified the producers of the film of our intention to exit our position as the UK & Ireland licensee of Fing!. We have already removed content which features him from our platforms.”

Walliams responds to allegations

In a letter to journalists published by the Guardian, Walliams said he was “not a sexual predator” and had not “broken the law.” He acknowledged that he “realized that at times I behaved thoughtlessly towards other people I had casual sexual relationships with” and expressed regret for not always considering “people’s feelings properly into account.”

Walliams is known for his work in BBC sketch comedy Little Britain and for his role as a judge on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent. The Guardian and ITV News reports detailed multiple allegations from women who did not know one another, including claims of grooming and unwanted sexual advances. Some of the allegations involve encounters with teenagers and junior employees.