David Walliams has admitted to making “disrespectful remarks” about two Britain’s Got Talent candidates during a filming break in 2020.
A leaked transcript of a recording revealed the talent show judge making disparaging and sexually graphic statements.
He has apologized and stated that the words “were never meant to be disseminated.”
The producers of the show stated that they had discussed his “future professional conduct” with him.
In a statement, the television personality declared: “I would want to apologize to the individuals about whom I made derogatory remarks during breaks in the production of Britain’s Got Talent in 2020.
“These were private chats that, like the majority of conversations between friends, were never meant to be revealed. Nonetheless, I apologize.”
‘Inappropriate’ language
The statements were captured by microphones during judging panel conversations while taping an audition program at the London Palladium.
One was allegedly directed towards an older artist who made a joke about Walliams in front of the judges.
The second incident occurred shortly after a woman left the stage, with Walliams allegedly referring to her as a “somewhat dull pub girl” who believes you want to have sex with her.
ITV stated in a statement: “We have spoken with the producers of Britain’s Got Talent and we do not condone the language detailed in these claims.
“Duty of care towards all program participants is of the utmost importance, and we have protocols and guidelines in place for all production partners.”
A representative for Thames TV, which produces the program, stated that the corporation considered Walliams’ remarks to be private, but that his language was “inappropriate.”
“Even though the incident was private, those involved have been reminded of their obligations and the show’s expectations for future professional conduct,” they continued.
A representative for Simon Cowell and Syco Entertainment, the co-producer of Britain’s Got Talent, stated that they were “unaware” of the claimed chat until contacted by the newspaper, emphasizing that “Britain’s Got Talent is a family show and we do not condone the use of such language.
There is no evidence that Cowell or any of the other judges made such comments.
Walliams was nominated best judge at the National Television Awards in 2015, 2018, and 2019 in recognition of his on-screen connection with Simon Cowell.
However, in 2020, he and Little Britain co-star Matt Lucas apologized for using blackface in the program, and a narrative about a Chinese child was pulled from one of his books because it was deemed to contain “damaging prejudices.”
