The manufacturing firm behind Britain’s Bought Expertise which is being sued by David Walliams has mentioned it’s open to resolving his claims “amicably” however is ready to “robustly defend” itself.
Its assertion got here after the Solar on Sunday newspaper revealed particulars of the previous expertise present decide’s £10 million Excessive Courtroom authorized declare in opposition to manufacturing firm Fremantle.
The Solar mentioned the information safety case pertains to the comic and creator’s microphone being stored on and recording all through all filming of the present, together with breaks, and a declare that transcripts had been taken.
It’s alleged that 1000’s of hours of recordings had been stored which included “non-public info… recorded with out his consent or data”, the newspaper mentioned.
In response, a Fremantle spokesperson mentioned: “We had a protracted and productive relationship with David and so are shocked and saddened by this authorized motion.
“For our half, we stay out there and open to dialogue to resolve this matter amicably.
“Nevertheless, within the interim, we’ll look at the varied allegations and are ready to robustly defend ourselves if obligatory.”
Walliams had been a decide on the ITV expertise programme since 2012, however didn’t return for the newest collection earlier this yr.
The 52-year-old was changed by former Strictly Come Dancing decide Bruno Tonioliwho joined the judging panel alongside Simon CowellAmanda Holden and Alesha Dixon.
Walliams departed after he apologised for making “disrespectful feedback” about auditioning contestants throughout filming breaks in January 2020 on the London Palladium.
The remarks got here to gentle in November 2022 after a transcript was leaked to the Guardian.
The publication reported {that a} spokesperson for Thames TV, a part of Fremantle, had mentioned that though the manufacturing firm regarded Walliams’ feedback as non-public, his language was “inappropriate”.
Walliams’ representatives have been approached for remark.