David Walliams faces police investigation as broadcasters and film distributors cut ties

Multiple women have accused David Walliams of abusing his celebrity status to prey on them sexually when they were young women or teenage girls. The allegations emerged from a joint investigation by the Guardian and ITV News. Walliams denies the allegations.

The reporting followed a three-year investigation, according to CBC News. Walliams, known for Little Britain, has also published more than 40 children's books, NYT World News reported.

On November 9, The Times reported that the celebrity facing the allegations could be named after failing to appeal a decision against his attempt to block reporting. At that point, its report did not identify him.

On November 10, Walliams was publicly identified. The Hollywood Reporter reported that he had lost his bid for an injunction preventing publication of his name in connection with allegations of sexual assault and grooming.

Walliams denied the allegations. In a letter published as part of the reporting, he acknowledged that "at times I behaved thoughtlessly towards other people I had casual sexual relationships with", according to CNA.

The professional fallout began the same day. Independent Talent Group said it no longer represented Walliams "in any capacity", TMZ reported. Bleeding Cool reported that programmes removed from BBC iPlayer included Little Britain and an episode of Doctor Who.

Also on November 10, Variety reported that Sky had dropped British distribution of Fing!, the forthcoming film based on his children's book. By November 11, distributors had confirmed that his cameo and his involvement in the film's publicity would also be removed, according to the Guardian.

On November 11, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that Walliams faced a police investigation after allegations that he groomed and sexually assaulted a 15-year-old schoolgirl. The supplied report does not give further details about the investigation's timetable or any charging decision.

Broadcasters' removals have continued. Deadline Hollywood reported on November 11 that Channel 4 had deleted shows featuring Walliams from its online archives. Walliams continues to deny wrongdoing.

The allegations have also prompted calls for wider change. Media minister Ian Murray said there was a "cultural problem" that needed to be "stamped out", according to Hereford Times.

The central unresolved issue is the reported police investigation: what allegations it will examine and whether it leads to further action. The November 11 report from the Sydney Morning Herald establishes that an investigation is being reported, but does not establish its outcome.

For Fing!, the announced changes concern both the finished film and its promotion. The Guardian reported that distributors had confirmed Walliams would be removed from the film and its publicity, while Variety reported Sky's withdrawal from British distribution.