Abby Tomlinson, a senior aide to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and the Prime Minister‘s deputy digital communications chief, has alleged that comedian David Walliams invited her to his Britain’s Got Talent dressing room when she was 17.
Ms Tomlinson is among several women who have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against the actor and comedian as part of a joint investigation by ITV News and The Guardian.
She claims Walliams sent her an unsolicited message in 2015 inviting her to attend a live Britain’s Got Talent show, where he was serving as a judge.
According to Ms Tomlinson, she attended the event with a 13-year-old girl.
When they arrived, they were escorted to Walliams’ dressing room, where two other girls, aged 16 and 17, were already waiting.
She alleges that the girls were left alone with the comedian, with no other adult present.
Speaking to The Guardian, Ms Tomlinson said: “It was absolutely the case, the door was shut and we were alone with him.”
She added that Walliams appeared to have considerable access to young women and teenage girls.
Tomlinson Previously Raised Concerns on Social Media
Ms Tomlinson had previously spoken about her experience with Walliams in a social media post in 2020.
At the time, she recalled how the comedian invited her to meet him when she was 17, began liking her Instagram pictures after she turned 18 and later sent her a direct message when she was 19.
Her post read: “Just thinking about how a certain national treasure comedian invited me to meet him when I was 17, started liking my Instagrams when I turned 18, then DM’d me ‘looking good x’ when I was 19.”
Walliams’ legal representatives have described the dressing-room allegation as misleading.
Another Woman Alleges Sexual Assault at Walliams’ London Home
The investigation has also featured allegations from a woman identified as Jade, who claims Walliams sexually assaulted her when she was 15.
Jade alleges that the comedian first contacted her online before arranging to meet in Soho.
She claims he subsequently drove her to his London residence, Supernova Heights, an address he purchased from former Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher.
Describing the alleged incident, Jade said Walliams invited her inside and greeted her with a hug before kissing her.
She alleged that he lifted her top, sucked on her breast and attempted to put her hand down his trousers.
Jade said she pulled away and told him no.
She recalled that she was not interested in having sex with him or anyone else and did not want to be touched in that manner.
The woman also claimed she had previously told Walliams about being sexually abused by another person during her childhood.
According to Jade, his response was: “Sorry to hear that.”
She said she considers the alleged incident to have amounted to sexual assault and grooming, describing the experience as completely wrong.
Second Woman Claims Contact Began When She Was 15
Another accuser, identified only as Alex, alleges that Walliams began contacting her when she was 15 and preparing for her mock GCSE examinations.
She claims they first met at a Little Britain fan event, where Walliams was dressed as his character Lou.
Their meeting was captured on camera.
Alex alleges that their relationship became sexual approximately two years later, when she was 17.
Speaking about her feelings towards the comedian, she said the experience had left her with a strong emotional and physical reaction.
“I want to vomit. I hate him. My body reacts when I think about it. It’s like a trauma response,” she said.
She added: “I think I was groomed – 100 per cent.”
Walliams Loses High Court Bid to Block Publication
Walliams, 55, previously launched legal proceedings at the High Court in an attempt to prevent ITV News and The Guardian from publishing the allegations.
The legal action generated widespread speculation online about the identity of the comedian involved in the investigation.
However, a judge rejected his application last week.
Walliams subsequently failed to submit an appeal before the Monday deadline of 4.30pm, allowing the two media organisations to identify him publicly.
ITV News and The Guardian named the comedian at midday on Tuesday.
Labour Suspends Walliams as Party Member
Following the publication of the allegations, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman described them as “deeply troubling”.
The Labour Party has also suspended Walliams from membership.
The comedian has been accused by multiple women of using his public status to engage in inappropriate and exploitative sexual activities.
The allegations include claims involving women and girls, some of whom say they were under 18 when the alleged incidents took place.
Walliams denies any wrongdoing.
