David Walliams sues Britains Got Talent

David Walliams has reached a settlement with Fremantle, the production company behind 'Britain’s Got Talent,' following the leak of his private remarks about contestants.

Fremantle expressed sincere regret over the publication of private conversations and announced an amicable resolution with Walliams. The comedian, who participated in the show from 2012 to 2022, had filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging misuse of private information and violation of UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Walliams resigned from the show last year when a transcript of his comments about contestants surfaced. Amongst the leaked remarks, he referred to an older performer as a "c" and made derogatory comments about a further female contestant.

Court documents released last month revealed that Walliams accused the company of causing him psychiatric harm and financial loss. He claimed to have "lost his ability to be funny" and even experienced "suicidal thoughts" following his exit from the show.

In a 21-page legal document, Walliams's lawyers stated that the program makers had kept his microphone on between filming without his knowledge. They argued that the constant fear of recorded and leaked comments left him feeling vulnerable and unable to be spontaneous or edgy in his signature manner.

A Fremantle spokesman expressed pleasure at the amicable resolution, apologised for the distress caused by the leaked conversations, and acknowledged their enduring relationship with David over the years. They thanked him for his contribution to the success of 'Britain’s Got Talent' and expressed hope for future collaborations.