The television presenter David Walliams, 65, released a statement following a major investigation by The Guardian and ITV News, which revealed multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against Walliams, 55.

The allegations include claims that the former Britain's Got Talent judge used his fame and influence to pursue young women and teenage girls. One woman described an alleged encounter with Walliams when she was 15 as sexual assault.

Walliams has denied all allegations, insisting he is not a sexual predator and has not broken the law.

In his statement, Ross said:

"I am as horrified by the revelations about David Walliams and the crimes of Russell Brand as the rest of the nation."

He added that although he had previously been on friendly terms with both men, he was "genuinely unaware of their conduct" during that period.

However, Ross has also faced renewed scrutiny after an old clip from the 2004 British Comedy Awards resurfaced online.

During the ceremony, Ross made a joke suggesting Walliams would be going home with a 15-year-old, prompting questions about what people in the entertainment industry may have known at the time.

Addressing the footage, Ross described the joke as deeply shocking and admitted it was in poor taste, explaining that it had been provided by the awards' writing team.

He claimed he believed the punchline was a reference to Walliams having publicly dated younger women, exaggerated for comic effect.

Ross added that had he suspected the joke was referring to actual events, he would have refused to deliver it and would not have continued a personal or professional relationship with Walliams.

The revelations have sparked wider conversations about accountability and the treatment of women within the entertainment industry, with several organisations now taking action following the allegations.

Walliams' literary agency has dropped him, while the BBC has begun reviewing programmes featuring the comedian, including Little Britain.

One woman alleged that Walliams began contacting her after meeting at a Little Britain fan event, before requesting sexualised photographs when she was 17 and later beginning a sexual relationship with her.

Another woman alleged that Walliams kissed and sexually touched her when she was 15, describing the alleged encounter as sexual assault.

Further allegations include claims from women who said the comedian pursued them sexually when they were 18 and 19.

A woman who met Walliams through Britain's Got Talent also alleged that he served her wine before attempting to kiss her and lead her to his bedroom, despite her being intoxicated and refusing his advances.

The investigation also highlighted allegations of inappropriate workplace behaviour, with former colleagues raising concerns about comments and messages allegedly directed towards junior female employees.

Walliams has denied all allegations of wrongdoing, including claims of grooming, sexual harassment and inappropriate workplace conduct. He has insisted he is not a sexual predator and has not broken the law.

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