British comedian, actor and children’s author David Walliams has been named in a major investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving multiple women, including accounts from women who say they first encountered him when they were just 15 years old.

The allegations emerged following a three-year investigation conducted jointly by ITV News and The Guardian. The investigation reportedly gathered accounts from approximately 30 sources, including women who described alleged inappropriate behaviour, grooming and sexual harassment.

One woman described an alleged encounter when she was 15 as sexual assault. Another alleged that Walliams first contacted her as a teenager before their relationship became sexual when she was 17.

The investigation also raises allegations about his conduct towards female colleagues while working on Britain’s Got Talent and at his former publisher, HarperCollins.

Walliams, 55, has strongly denied the allegations. In a statement to the media organisations, he said: “I am not a sexual predator. I have not broken the law.”

He acknowledged that he had sometimes behaved thoughtlessly in previous relationships and expressed regret that some women had felt hurt by their experiences.

His name became public after a High Court challenge seeking to prevent publication of the allegations was unsuccessful.

The revelations have generated significant public attention, raising difficult questions about celebrity influence, workplace conduct and the responsibility of powerful figures towards younger and more vulnerable people.

It is important to stress that the allegations have not been established as proven criminal conduct, and Walliams denies wrongdoing.