Updated

ITV News and the Guardian published a joint investigation on Tuesday accusing British comedian and children's author David Walliams of sexual misconduct, including an alleged sexual assault of a 15-year-old. Walliams has denied the claims, stating, "I am not a sexual predator." The investigation involved interviews with more than 100 people, including multiple women who gave first-hand accounts, some saying he groomed them as teenagers. Walliams, 55, said he had not broken the law but was devastated that women he met 10 to 20 years ago now expressed hurt or anger towards him. A court summary said some of the alleged conduct could amount to criminal offences if proven. The allegations have not been tested in court. Before publication, Walliams sought an injunction to stop the outlets identifying him. His lawyer, Sara Mansoori, told the High Court he had attempted suicide after receiving letters seeking his response, then made another attempt and was recently admitted for psychiatric care. Justice Matthew Nicklin rejected the injunction, citing a serious psychiatric vulnerability but saying the evidence did not establish that suicide was inevitable. Publisher HarperCollins dropped Walliams last year after earlier allegations, and the Guardian reported concerns about his behaviour for years, including an allegation of an inappropriate sexual relationship with a junior female employee. The BBC said it was removing some programmes, including Little Britain, while it reviewed its material featuring him, and the Independent Talent Group said it was dropping him.