October 23rd 2023.
David Walliams, former judge of Britain's Got Talent, is suing FremantleMedia for damages due to a data protection breach. It has been reported that the Little Britain star is demanding £10million in damages after claiming that FremantleMedia, the company that distributes BGT, recorded conversations that he believed to be private for 10 years.
According to court documents seen by Deadline, Walliams claims that his 'reputation and earnings have been severely damaged' as a result of the controversial leak, including a 'travelogue across India on Channel 4' that was withdrawn. Walliams resigned from BGT after his X-rated rant was leaked and apologised for it.
The 52-year-old actor is bringing legal action against Fremantle for misuse of private information and for breaching UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018. Walliams is also accusing the company of causing him psychiatric harm and financial loss in documents seen by the PA News Agency.
The court filing states Walliams believes producers 'retained transcripts... of everything he said' during his time on the show and claims the defendant ‘must be the ultimate source of the transcripts’ that were leaked. During filming, Walliams assumed he was only being recorded when contestants were on stage or during behind-the-scenes filming. He alleges private conversations, including him talking about his struggles with food addiction, his father’s death and his wife leaving him, could have been recorded by the production company.
In a statement, Fremantle told the publication: ’We had a long and productive relationship with David and so are surprised and saddened by this legal action. We remain available and open to dialogue to resolve this matter amicably. However, in the interim, we will examine the various allegations and are prepared to robustly defend ourselves if necessary.’
David Walliams is taking legal action against FremantleMedia after he claims that his private conversations were recorded and leaked. The former Britain's Got Talent judge is seeking £10million in damages, asserting that it has caused him 'significant damage' to his reputation and earnings.
Court documents seen by Deadline have revealed that Walliams believes producers 'retained transcripts... of everything he said' during his time on the show. He is accusing the company of causing him psychiatric harm and financial loss in documents seen by the PA News Agency.
Fremantle has responded to the legal action, saying that they are 'surprised and saddened' by Walliams' decision. The company said that they remain open to dialogue to resolve the matter amicably and are prepared to defend themselves if necessary.
It is unclear what the outcome of this case will be, however it is certain that David Walliams' legal action has caused a stir in the industry. The Agency has reached out to Channel 4 and David Walliams' reps for comment, and we'll be sure to update as more information is revealed.
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