Sky Drops David Walliams's Film 'Fing!' After Grooming Allegations

Sky is giving up its role as the UK and Ireland licensee of 'Fing!', the film written and starred in by David Walliams, after a joint investigation accused him of grooming fans. A licensee holds the right to show a film in a particular territory, so Sky's exit means it will no longer be the broadcaster for that film in the UK and Ireland, according to Variety.

Sky said it had told the film's producers of its intention to leave the arrangement. It also said it had already removed content featuring Walliams from its platforms.

The film is based on Walliams's children's book. He co-wrote the screenplay and appeared in the cast alongside Taika Waititi and Mia Wasikowska. It was made as a Sky Original in the UK and premiered at Sundance, the US festival where independent films are often shown to buyers. Its release had been planned for early 2027.

The trouble started with a report published on Tuesday by the Guardian and ITV News. The joint investigation accused Walliams of grooming fans as young as 15. It alleged he invited teenage girls to his house, where they stayed overnight, and to his dressing rooms. Walliams had tried to block publication through a court injunction, and that bid failed.

These are allegations made in the investigation. They have not been decided in a court.

The fallout has spread beyond Sky. The BBC said it would remove shows starring or written by Walliams, including the sketch comedy 'Little Britain', from its streaming service. His agency, Independent Talent Group, has also dropped him.

For anyone who grew up with his books, the story lands close to home. Walliams became a household name in the UK through television comedy and a long run of bestselling novels for young readers. Those books and shows are now being pulled from the places that once carried them, and the film that was due to reach cinemas and screens in early 2027 is now without the broadcaster that commissioned it in the UK.

Sky has not said what will happen to the film's UK and Ireland release next. Walliams's name is still attached to the project on paper, and the producers are the next to decide what comes of it.