David Walliams has apologised for making “disrespectful comments” while filming Britain’s Got Talent.
The comedian was reportedly recorded making derogatory remarks and sexually explicit comments about contestants auditioning for the show at the London Palladium in January 2020.
According to a leaked transcript seen by The Guardian, it is suggested the 51-year-old referred to an older performer as a “c***” three times when he was out of earshot, following an unsuccessful audition.
During his audition, the contestant had reportedly engaged in light-hearted banter with the judges and made a jibe about David.
The transcript also suggests further sexually explicit comments were made by the comedian after a female contestant had walked off the stage.
In a statement, David said: “I would like to apologise to the people I made disrespectful comments about during breaks in filming for Britain’s Got Talent in 2020.”
“These were private conversations and – like most conversations with friends – were never intended to be shared. Nevertheless, I am sorry,” he added.
In a statement, ITV said: “We do not condone the language outlined in these allegations, and we have spoken to the producers of Britain’s Got Talent.”
“Duty of care towards all participants on any of our programmes is always of paramount importance and we have protocols and guidelines in place for all our production partners.”
