Legal tools are reportedly being used to silence women making allegations of sexual misconduct against powerful men. Concerns have been raised about the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and strategic lawsuits against public participation (Slapps).
David Walliams, a former bestselling children's author, was reportedly dropped by his publisher HarperCollins in 2025 following allegations concerning his behaviour towards junior female staff. It is reported that he was accused of inviting teenagers to his dressing room during his time as a judge on Britain's Got Talent. One 19-year-old reportedly received a legal warning from Walliams’s lawyers, Schillings, after claiming he exploited his fame and threatened legal action if she spoke out. Schillings stated they were acting on their client’s instructions that she might sell “untruthful” stories to the press. Walliams denies the allegations.
The Guardian has reportedly been investigating Walliams since 2022. Private Eye reportedly reported that another male celebrity accused by multiple women has secured an injunction preventing the magazine from publishing. Some women are also reportedly still bound by NDAs from sharing information about convicted rapist Russell Brand.
The equalities minister, Bridget Phillipson, is reportedly considering new curbs on NDAs to prevent a system where powerful men can silence women. Later this month, parliament is set to debate a backbench bill from former Tory minister John Whittingdale, which aims to stop the weaponisation of Slapps against journalists and whistleblowers.