David Walliams’ controversies: from Harry Styles to Nazi salutes

In 2012, Ofcom assessed Channel 4 after Walliams made an explicit remark about then-17-year-old Harry Styles on Chris Moyles’ Quiz Night. Walliams said Styles was his favourite One Direction member because of his hair, then added: “I’d like to suck his c-ck,” The Telegraph reported. Viewers complained to Ofcom and Channel 4 about the language.

Five years later, Walliams drew criticism for a Halloween costume depicting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. He posted a photo wearing a black suit, wig and facial prosthetics. Social media users accused him of racism and “yellow-face,” The Independent reported. Walliams responded by posting a fake text-message screenshot that he presented as a message from the dictator.

Footage from the 2007 BBC documentary Little Britain Down Under later resurfaced, showing Walliams bringing young men onstage during a live show. Metro reported that after learning one volunteer was 16, he joked, “Bingo! You’re a big boy for 16, aren’t you? That’s what I’ll tell the judge.” The segment, “Hide the Sausage,” showed him kissing the teenagers and pulling down their trousers. Walliams defended the performance, saying comedy should have no off-limits subjects.

In 2020, Netflix, BBC iPlayer and BritBox removed Little Britain and Come Fly With Me amid concerns over blackface. The shows, co-created by Walliams and Matt Lucas, featured the pair in makeup and prosthetics portraying characters from different ethnic backgrounds. A BBC spokesperson said “times have changed,” Variety reported.

A separate controversy followed the leak of comments recorded during a 2020 Britain’s Got Talent audition. Walliams insulted an older male contestant and made a sexually explicit remark about a female contestant, according to The Guardian. He apologised, and the fallout contributed to his departure from the programme.

In 2025, the BBC and production company Zeppotron apologised after Walliams made two Nazi salutes during a recording of the Would I Lie To You? Christmas special. The gesture followed actress Helen George’s account of waving on tour. The BBC and Banijay UK condemned it and said the footage would be cut and would not air.