Simon Cowell and David Walliams’ friendship ‘on the rocks’ after former show star sues Britain’s Got Talent

David Walliams sues BGT over data protection breach

David Walliams, the former star of Britain's Got Talent, is reportedly suing the show's bosses Fremantle for a data protection breach. The comedian is seeking significant damages after he was dropped from the ITV show last year. Sources claim that his court case has now affected his friendship with Simon Cowell, despite the fact that the case is with Fremantle and not Cowell himself.

Derogatory remarks about contestants leaked

Walliams stepped down from the hit reality TV series after a leaked transcript revealed derogatory remarks he made about contestants during a break in filming. The comments, which included offensive language and sexual comments, were picked up on his microphone during auditions in January 2020. Walliams later apologized for his comments and acknowledged that they were never intended to be shared.

Legal action and apology

Walliams has hired legal firm Brandsmiths, who specialize in data protection breaches, and has lodged papers at London's High Court. In a statement issued before his resignation, Walliams apologized for his disrespectful comments and emphasized that they were private conversations never meant to be made public. There is no suggestion that Cowell or any other judge made offensive remarks about contestants.

Replacement judge

After Walliams left the panel, he was replaced by former Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli. Walliams had been a judge on Britain's Got Talent since 2012.