Revealed: David Walliams accused of using celebrity status to prey on young women for sex

Guardian reports accusations after court rejects legal attempt to prevent publication. Walliams denies any wrongdoing

• Read the full investigation: ‘It wasn’t long until he asked me if I’d ever had sex before’

• Explainer: the key legal issues surrounding the case

David Walliams, one of Britain’s best-known television personalities and top-selling children’s authors, has been accused by multiple women of using his power and celebrity status to prey on young women and teenagers for sex.

The allegations include accounts from two women who said they first met the star when they were 15 years old.

Support for anyone affected by sexual abuse issues is available in the UK from Rape Crisis on 0808 500 2222 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, or 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland. The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac) offers support for adult survivors on 0808 801 0331. Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123. Other international helplines are available for people affected by sexual abuse, childhood abuse, and people in crisis.