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Combi shared that around the time one of her books was being released, she frequently received invitations to various events such as book launches. At the same time, she was managing a program designed to bring “high-profile and inspiring writers and speakers” to schools to engage with students. During a 2015 event, Combi encountered a senior figure in the publishing industry who cautioned her specifically about David Walliams.
According to Combi, they were discussing potential authors who would resonate well with teenagers for the scheme. She recalled the senior publisher advising her, “Whatever you do, don’t invite David Walliams, and FYI if you are speaking to head teachers or teachers, please inform them that he’s not a good booking, not an appropriate booking for a school.” Curious, Combi asked for reasons behind this warning. By then, she had already heard several rumors due to the close-knit nature of these professional circles. The publisher cited particular concerns relating to Walliams’s conduct around young female staff.
When asked if these concerns were widely known, Combi affirmed, “Yes definitely… and I’d heard it from people who worked in publishing, fellow writers, people kind of in celebrity and TV circles.” She clarified that she had never met Walliams personally and that her information came from multiple conversations with various people. Notably, HarperCollins announced in September that they would stop publishing Walliams’s back catalogue amid the growing allegations.
In a related development, media minister Ian Murray spoke about the broader industry issues during his testimony at the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee. Murray described a “cultural problem” within the media sector that requires urgent action. He expressed feeling “deeply saddened and also angry” at the widespread abuse perpetrated by men in the industry. Meanwhile, Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson praised the “bravery” of those who had spoken out recently, emphasizing in the Commons that “Women and girls should never have to shrink our lives or ambitions because of outdated, misogynistic attitudes,” highlighting how far society still has to go.
Adding further perspective, comedian and podcaster Deborah Frances-White told BBC Radio 4’s The World at One that young women continue to face exploitation in the comedy world. She noted that while perpetrators understand consent, they derive pleasure from flouting it, stating, “The thrill is in the contravention of consent.” When asked if the allegations against Walliams and the conviction of Russell Brand reflected the industry’s atmosphere, she responded, “Yes, entirely.” Frances-White described an environment where she had to navigate meetings with male producers in secluded settings carefully — balancing making them feel attractive while avoiding assault — all while these encounters could impact her career prospects. She confirmed that such incidents persist and mentioned that she remains in touch with female comedians through a WhatsApp group where they share their experiences
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