British television presenter Jonathan Ross released a statement Wednesday addressing a resurfaced 2004 awards show joke about David Walliams, saying he was entirely unaware of any alleged misconduct by the comedian or by convicted comedian Russell Brand.
Ross came under public scrutiny after a joint investigation by The Guardian and ITV News published allegations accusing Walliams of using his celebrity status to prey on young women and teenagers as young as 15 for sexual purposes. Walliams, 55, has strongly denied any wrongdoing, insisting he never broke the law or abused his power.
The Resurfaced 2004 Joke
The investigation highlighted remarks Ross delivered while hosting the British Comedy Awards two decades ago. During the 2004 ceremony, Ross said: “The comedy awards is 15 years old – 15 years old! And like most 15-year-olds, it’s drunk, it’s unpredictable and it’s probably going home with David Walliams.”
Ross addressed the footage directly on Wednesday, calling it “a tasteless joke that I would not dream of making today about anyone.” He said the line had been provided by the ceremony’s writing team and that he believed at the time it was an exaggeration referencing Walliams dating younger women in public.
“Had I had any reason to suspect that it might be referring to actual events, I would not only have refused to use it, but I would not have felt comfortable continuing a personal or professional relationship with him,” Ross said in the statement. “I also like to think that I would have acted upon that knowledge.”
Ross also addressed his past friendship with Brand, who was sentenced on Monday to 10-and-a-half years in prison after a London court convicted him of rape and sexual assault. Ross said he was “as horrified by the revelations about David Walliams and the crimes of Russell Brand as the rest of the nation,” adding that his thoughts remain with the women who have come forward.
Fallout and Industry Reaction
The Guardian and ITV News released their findings after a court rejected a legal bid by Walliams to suppress the reporting. Walliams’ legal team revealed during the court proceedings that the comedian had made two attempts on his own life over the claims, and he is currently staying in a psychiatric hospital. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988.
In a personal letter sent to reporters, Walliams maintained his innocence while expressing regret over past personal encounters. “I am not a sexual predator. I have not broken the law, but I am devastated that some of the women I met 10-20 years ago have now expressed hurt or anger towards me,” Walliams wrote. He admitted he “behaved thoughtlessly” at times during casual relationships, but insisted he never abused a power imbalance.
The fallout across the British entertainment landscape was immediate. Literary agency Independent Talent Group announced it had dropped Walliams, stating it was “deeply disturbed” by the claims. The BBC began removing shows including “Little Britain” while reviewing all content tied to the performer. Broadcaster Sky confirmed it will no longer hold the license for Walliams’ planned film “Fing!,” and Britain’s governing Labour Party suspended his membership.
U.K. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy described the revelations as “the latest in a long line of reported abuses of power” within entertainment. Nandy pledged to convene meetings with industry leaders to implement meaningful safeguards, while former safeguarding minister Jess Phillips praised the court for rejecting efforts to block publication. Industry officials have not yet announced what formal policy changes may follow the upcoming government discussions.
