David Walliams Settles with ‘BGT’ Production Company Over Leaked Audio
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David Walliams has reportedly reached an “amicable resolution” with Fremantle, the production company behind Britain’s Got Talent. It was reported in September that Walliams was suing over leaked audio in which he made disparaging remarks about contestants.
David Walliams Settles BGT Lawsuit Over Leaked Audio
Last year, disrespectful comments Walliams made about contestants on BGT were leaked to the press. The comedian didn’t end up returning to the show as a judge for the next season. Earlier this year, Walliams sued the show’s production company, Fremantle.
Walliams argued that the recorded audio was “part of private conversations that were never intended for broadcast.” He accused Fremantle of a “data protection breach” and sought “significant damages.” Walliams also allegedly suffered suicidal thoughts over the situation.
According to Deadline, Wailliams has since settled with Fremantle. A spokesperson for the company said they were “sincerely sorry” that his “private conversations when a judge on Britain’s Got Talent were published, and the great distress this caused David.”
“We have reviewed our production practices on the show to ensure they fully respect the expectations of our talent whilst satisfying the requirements of the show,” Fremantle continued. “We thank David for being an important part of the Britain’s Got Talent family and the enduring success of the show and hope to have opportunities to work with him in the future.”
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Walliams Claims He Lost Work Over the Comments
In October, The Mirror reported that, according to court documents, the BBC cut funding for one of Walliams’ projects after his BGT comments were leaked. They apparently withdrew money for an animated series based on his children’s book Gangsta Granny.
Documents also claimed that “schools, libraries and shops have removed his books” since his comments went public. Walliams also claimed that he lost a Channel 4 travel show, with the project being canceled “entirely.”
Walliams was a judge on Britain’s Got Talent from 2012 to 2022. For Season 16 of the show earlier this year, he was replaced on the panel by DWTS judge Bruno Tonioli.
