David Walliams has broken his online silence to wish his friend a happy birthday after being dropped from his book publisher following claims of inappropriate behaviour.
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The comedian and children's author, 54, returned to Instagram on Thursday where he boasts 2million followers to share a tribute to his publicist pal Louisa McCarthy.
Louisa works for ANM PR, an independent agency representing luxury clients from the worlds of consumer, lifestyle and luxury, from start up brands to international blue-chip corporations.
David, who has kept off his social media since the start of the year, posted in his Instagram stories a picture of himself grinning with Louise as he cosied up to her at a table with the message ‘Happy Birthday Louisa’.
The positive message, which was also shared by his friend to her stories, comes after he was briefly spotted in public in the middle of January just weeks after being dropped by his publisher HarperCollins following allegations he harassed employees at the firm - which he strongly denies behaving inappropriately.
David looked downcast as he attended a children's event promising 'plenty of Walliams-style mischief' in his first public appearance since his fall from grace last month.
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David Walliams has broken his online silence to wish his friend a happy birthday after being dropped from his book publisher following claims of inappropriate behaviour
David was dropped by his publisher HarperCollins following allegations he harassed employees at the firm (pictured in December)
Dressed in jeans and a dark bomber jacket, he offered only a quiet 'hello' to the Daily Mail and made no comment when asked when he might return to television or how he was feeling after what has been a bruising few weeks.
Friends told the Daily Mail that 'it hasn't exactly been the easiest times for him recently.'
David's event was billed as 'a joyful storytelling adventure for kids and families,' featuring readings, audience interaction and the former TV star's trademark mischief.
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David’s former employees at HarperCollins said they were advised to work in pairs when working with him, and that they were advised not to go to his home.
One of the women who raised concerns about the dad-of-one was allegedly given a five-figure payout and has since left the company.
In December, The Children's Trust confirmed the Little Britain actor had been dropped as an ambassador for the charity earlier in 2025.
The BBC also said they had 'no future projects' in the pipeline with David, despite refusing to pull his appearance in the Christmas special of Would I Lie To You.
The episode marked a stunning downfall for David, who is one of Britain's most successful children's authors, having sold more than 60 million copies in 55 languages, as well as being a household name on TV.
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David is one of Britain's most successful children's authors, having sold more than 60 million copies in 55 languages, as well as being a household name on TV
Notoriously, Walliams left BGT in November 2022 under a cloud after audio emerged of him making disparaging remarks about contestants off-camera
HarperCollins published his first children's book, The Boy in the Dress, in 2008, while some of his other books, including Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, have also been adapted into television films.
When the news broke last month, there was relief in the showbusiness and television worlds where Walliams is, the Daily Mail was told 'utterly despised'.
One source said: 'Finally, someone has said it. It's no longer a secret that he is just not a very nice person.'
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But for all the efforts of the people who tried to protect him, Walliams's behaviour has been one of the biggest open secrets in the industry. A former member of staff on Britain's Got Talent, for example, told the Daily Mail that Walliams was 'hideously rude' to her when she worked there.
Notoriously, Walliams left BGT in November 2022 under a cloud after audio emerged of him making disparaging remarks about contestants off-camera.
Microphones had picked up him using vile misogynistic language, describing one female as 'like the slightly boring girl you meet in the pub that thinks you want to f*** them, but you don't'.
Although Walliams publicly apologised, he sued the production company Fremantle for misuse of private information and breaching data laws. The company apologised and Walliams is thought to have walked away with about £5 million.