Court heard Walliams attempted suicide twice after allegations

David Walliams’ lawyers told the High Court that he had twice attempted to take his own life after journalists approached him about allegations of sexual misconduct. They argued that publishing the allegations would put his life at serious risk.

Mr Justice Nicklin dismissed Walliams’ request for an injunction on 3 November. He accepted that the risk was real and grave, but found no proper legal basis for stopping The Guardian and ITV News from publishing their investigation.

The organisations published their joint investigation on 10 November, after the deadline for an appeal passed. The allegations include claims by several women that Walliams used his celebrity status to pursue teenagers and young women for sex. Walliams denies wrongdoing.

In a letter to the journalists, the comedian and children’s author said he regretted having sometimes behaved thoughtlessly towards people with whom he had casual sexual relationships. He denied abusing his position, adding: “I am not a sexual predator. I have not broken the law.”

The judge said the court was not deciding whether the allegations were true. His judgment referred to Walliams anonymously; The Guardian and ITV News later identified him as the claimant.

Nicklin found that inpatient psychiatric care could significantly reduce the risk to Walliams, though not eliminate it. He said responsibility for his immediate safety rested with psychiatric services, and that the proposed journalism concerned matters of substantial public interest.

The Independent reported that Walliams did not lodge an appeal by the 9 November deadline.

In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted free on 116 123. Befrienders Worldwide provides details of support in other countries.