David Walliams: BBC Condemns Nazi Salute Gesture
- David Walliams,the comedian and children’s author,is facing widespread criticism after making Nazi salutes during the taping of the panel show,"Would I Lie To You?" The incident occurred earlier...
- The Times reported that Walliams, formerly a judge on "Britain’s Got Talent," made the offensive gestures during a segment where a panelist joked about a wrist injury from...
- Sebastian Topan, a journalist who witnessed the incident, contacted the BBC to report what he saw.
David Walliams has ignited a firestorm of controversy after making Nazi salutes during the filming of “Would I Lie To You?”. The BBC and Banijay U.K. swiftly condemned the comedianS actions, confirming the segment will not air. Audience members were reportedly shocked by the offensive gesture, which occurred during the taping of the Christmas special at Pinewood Studios. This incident, witnessed by journalist Sebastian Topan, prompted immediate complaints and a strong response from the production company, labeling the behavior as “fully unacceptable.” Further highlighting the seriousness of the situation. The BBC echoed the condemnation and apologized for any offence caused. Discover how News Directory 3 is reporting the fallout from this story that also brings up discussion about the comedian’s history, especially concerning his departure from “Britain’s Got Talent,” and what this means for the boundaries of comedy. Discover what’s next as the story develops.
David Walliams’ nazi Salute Sparks Outrage on ‘Would I Lie To You?’
Updated June 12,2025
David Walliams,the comedian and children’s author,is facing widespread criticism after making Nazi salutes during the taping of the panel show,”Would I Lie To You?” The incident occurred earlier this week at Pinewood Studios during filming of the show’s christmas special.
The Times reported that Walliams, formerly a judge on “Britain’s Got Talent,” made the offensive gestures during a segment where a panelist joked about a wrist injury from waving.Walliams reportedly mimicked the waving and then performed a nazi salute, shocking audience members.
Sebastian Topan, a journalist who witnessed the incident, contacted the BBC to report what he saw. Topan told BBC News that Walliams began doing the Nazi salute while another panelist was speaking. He described the audience’s reaction as “patches of quietened gasps and awkward half-laughs and broken clapping.”
According to Topan, Rob Brydon, the host of ”Gavin & Stacey,” reminded Walliams that the program would air before the 9 p.m. watershed.Walliams then allegedly repeated the salute and added a sexual gesture. Topan described the atmosphere as “uncomfortable and weird.”
Banijay U.K., the production company Zeppotron’s owner, issued a statement through a spokesperson, calling any attempt at humor involving the “deeply offensive gesture” “completely unacceptable in any context.” The company added that the segment would not be broadcast and apologized to those present at the recording.
A BBC spokesperson echoed this sentiment, stating that “the use of such an offensive gesture is completely unacceptable,” and offered an apology to those offended at the recording.
This isn’t the first time Walliams has faced controversy. He left “Britain’s Got Talent” in 2022 after a recording surfaced of him making insulting comments about contestants. He is also known for his work with Matt Lucas on “Little Britain” and “Come Fly With Me.” The incident raises questions about the role of comedy and the boundaries of acceptable humor.
What’s next
It remains to be seen what the long-term consequences will be for walliams following this incident. Further statements from involved parties are anticipated as the situation develops.
