David Walliams appeared somber as he attended a children’s event, marking his first public outing since his recent controversy. The event, known for its promise of “Walliams-style mischief,” was held in the wake of a difficult period for the author.

The 54-year-old, who is renowned for his children’s books, stepped back into the public eye on Saturday, a few weeks after HarperCollins, his publisher, severed ties with him amid allegations of workplace harassment.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Walliams made an effort to maintain composure as he arrived at the Circle & Star Theatre in Hampstead, London. However, he seemed a bit unsettled, struggling to find the stage entrance.

Clad in jeans and a dark bomber jacket, Walliams greeted the Daily Mail with a quiet “hello,” choosing not to comment on his future television plans or his recent experiences, which have undoubtedly been tough.

This subdued appearance stood in stark contrast to the flamboyant persona he is known for on screen. According to friends, Walliams has been navigating a particularly challenging period, as reported by the Daily Mail this week.

Walliams’ event was billed as ‘a joyful storytelling adventure for kids and families,’ featuring readings, audience interaction and the former TV star’s trademark mischief.

David Walliams looked downcast as he arrived at a children’s event promising ‘plenty of Walliams-style mischief’ in his first public appearance since his fall from grace last month

The children’s author, 54, re-emerged in public on Saturday just weeks after being dropped by his publisher HarperCollins following allegations he harassed employees at the firm

But the muted turnout told its own story as the author tentatively stepped back into the spotlight.

One attendee waiting to go inside questioned whether it was possible to separate the scandal surrounding the author from his work.

‘His kids’ books are fabulous, but I don’t know, I think it’s very difficult once there’s been allegations,’ she said. ‘It’s really difficult not to know and not to think about it, once you know.’

It comes after former employees at HarperCollins said they were advised to work in pairs when working with Walliams, and that they were advised not to go to his home.

One of the women who raised concerns was allegedly given a five-figure payout and has since left the company.

In December, The Children’s Trust confirmed the Little Britain actor had been dropped as an ambassador for the charity earlier in 2025.

Meanwhile, the BBC said they had ‘no future projects’ in the pipeline with Walliams, despite refusing to pull his appearance in the Christmas special of Would I Lie To You.

The episode marked a stunning downfall for Walliams, who is one of Britain’s most successful children’s authors, having sold more than 60 million copies in 55 languages, as well as being a household name on TV.

Putting on a brave face, Walliams arrived at the Circle & Star Theatre in Hampstead, London, but appeared visibly rattled as he struggled to locate the stage door

Dressed in jeans and a dark bomber jacket, he offered only a quiet ‘hello’ to the Daily Mail and made no comment when asked when he might return to television or how he was feeling after what has been a bruising few weeks

It was quite the contrast to his eccentric television personal. Friends have told the Daily Mail this week that ‘it hasn’t exactly been the easiest times for him recently’

Walliams’ event was billed as ‘a joyful storytelling adventure for kids and families,’ featuring readings, audience interaction and the former TV star’s trademark mischief

But the muted turnout told its own story as the author tentatively stepped back into the spotlight

HarperCollins published his first children’s book, The Boy in the Dress, in 2008, while some of his other books, including Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, have also been adapted into television films.

When the news broke last month, there was relief in the showbusiness and television worlds where Walliams is, the Daily Mail was told ‘utterly despised’.

One source said: ‘Finally, someone has said it. It’s no longer a secret that he is just not a very nice person.’

But for all the efforts of the people who tried to protect him, Walliams’s behaviour has been one of the biggest open secrets in the industry. A former member of staff on Britain’s Got Talent, for example, told the Daily Mail that Walliams was ‘hideously rude’ to her when she worked there.

Notoriously, Walliams left BGT in November 2022 under a cloud after audio emerged of him making disparaging remarks about contestants off-camera.

Microphones had picked up him using vile misogynistic language, describing one female as ‘like the slightly boring girl you meet in the pub that thinks you want to f*** them, but you don’t’.

Although Walliams publicly apologised, he sued the production company Fremantle for misuse of private information and breaching data laws. The company apologised and Walliams is thought to have walked away with about £5 million.