The Guardian view on David Walliams: allegations about abuse of power and sexual misconduct deserve publication | Editorial

The judge took the suicide risk seriously while defending investigative journalism and the right of women to tell their stories

The Guardian and ITV News investigation into David Walliams has exposed difficult dilemmas for journalism. Last week, the high court helped clarify how to navigate them. The court heard that women had described to the Guardian how Mr Walliams, one of Britain’s most successful comedians and children’s authors, used his fame to prey on them for sex when they were young adults or teenagers. Publishing their claims carried a serious risk that Mr Walliams might take his own life. But this is a story of great public interest, and those women deserve to be heard. Some of them told the Guardian that they have lived with the effects of his alleged conduct for years.

For months, the Guardian and ITV News weighed concerns for him and his family against the women’s right to tell their stories. Both organisations wanted the court to scrutinise the evidence and rule on publication. If they then decided to proceed, Mr Walliams and his carers would be given time to prepare before publication.

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