Former Britain's Got Talent judge David Walliams is reportedly suing bosses of the talent show after he left last year.
Walliams left the show in November 2022 after a transcript of comments he made about contestants was leaked to the public, revealing remarks which are understood to have been derogatory and sexually explicit.
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The actor went on to apologise for the comments, which were picked up on his microphone and were never intended for broadcast.
At the time, he said: "I would like to apologise to the people I made disrespectful comments about during breaks in filming for Britain's Got Talent in 2020.
"These were private conversations and - like most conversations with friends - were never intended to be shared. Nevertheless, I am sorry."
ITV expressed its disapproval for the remarks in a statement, saying: "We do not condone the language outlined in these allegations, and we have spoken to the producers of Britain's Got Talent.
"Duty of care towards all participants on any of our programmes is always of paramount importance and we have protocols and guidelines in place for all our production partners."
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Thames TV, the production company behind Britain's Got Talent, added in a statement to Sky News: "Although relating to a private conversation almost three years ago, the language used was inappropriate.
"Even though it was private, those involved have been spoken to and reminded of their responsibilities and the show's expectations as to future professional conduct."
Just two weeks after issuing his apology, Walliams announced his resignation after 10 years on the show alongside Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon.
Now, Walliams has filed papers at London's High Court against BGT production company, Fremantle, over the leak which led to him leaving the show.
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In the documents, cited by The Sun, Walliams accuses Fremantle of a data protection breach over the leaked transcript.
Following his departure from the show, Walliams was replaced by former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli.
Cowell offered a few words in defence of Walliams after he left the show as he told The Sun his former co-star had largely been 'very respectful and emotional' about the talent show contestants, and while it was 'upsetting' to hear what had been said, he was sure it wasn't a constant occurrence.
"I didn’t really get involved in the decision. From what I understand, he decided to take a step back," Cowell said at the time.
Topics: Britains Got Talent, TV and Film, David Walliams
Emily Brown