David Walliams Cameo Cut From Fing! as Stan Drops the Film
Transmission Films says David Walliams' cameo has been removed from the Australian film Fing! and he will not join its publicity run. Stan has pulled the film, and Sky is exiting its UK and Ireland deal after sexual harassment allegations, which Walliams denies.
Australian distributor Transmission Films has confirmed that David Walliams' cameo has been cut from the children's fantasy film Fing!, and that he will not take part in its publicity campaign ahead of the January 14 cinema debut. The decision follows sexual harassment allegations against the author and comedian, which he denies.
Walliams co-wrote the film, which is based on his 2019 book. He will no longer appear in the movie or its media campaign.
What the distributors said
"Walliams will not be participating in the Australian publicity campaign," Transmission Films said in a statement. "The campaign will focus on the film's Australian production, director and lead cast."
The company added that the film's producers had advised them they had removed Walliams' cameo appearance.
Other partners moved too. Streaming service Stan, which was expected to host the film after its cinema run, has removed Fing! from its content slate. A spokesperson cited "the recent and serious allegations against David Walliams".
The film's US distributor, Angel Studios, said it has also cut his cameo and will remove him from US marketing materials. "Our thoughts are with anyone who has been affected," it said, adding that he will have no involvement in the release or promotion.
Sky exits UK and Ireland deal
Sky, the film's UK and Ireland distributor, is going further and abandoning the film entirely. A Sky spokesperson said the allegations are "extremely serious" and that the company has told the producers it intends to exit its position as licensee for the UK and Ireland.
Sky said it has already removed content featuring Walliams from its platforms.
The allegations
The moves come after a joint investigation by UK media outlets. It reported allegations that Walliams groomed fans he met when they were as young as 15, and that he harassed women in the workplace over a number of years. He has denied the allegations.
Earlier this year, Walliams' lawyers went to the high court in an attempt to stop the allegations from being published. The court dismissed the case.
Walliams is 55 and a recipient of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). He is one of the UK's most famous comedians and writers.
The film
Fing! was produced by Walliams' company, King Bert. It stars Taika Waititi, Mia Wasikowska, Iona Bell and Blake Harrison. Australian film-maker Jeffrey Walker directs, and Walliams co-wrote the screenplay with Kevin Cecil.
The film could still be shown elsewhere in the world. It is not yet clear whether the other actors and creatives involved will all want it to be screened.
