UK ministers are reviewing ways to limit non-disclosure agreements after allegations that TV personality David Walliams allegedly preyed on young women for sex. Source: theguardian.com.
What Happened
The allegations emerged under public scrutiny of power imbalances in entertainment and media. Walliams, a top-selling children’s author and major TV figure, denies any wrongdoing.
An investigation by the Guardian and ITV News found an employer used an NDA to silence a woman connected to Walliams. This raised alarms about how NDAs are used to suppress disclosures of misconduct.
Government Response
Ministers are looking at quick legal changes to stop NDAs from silencing employees or others about harassment, discrimination, or abuse.
These changes could extend protections from the Employment Rights Act beyond traditional employees to cover freelancers, volunteers, and independent contractors.
Key Developments
- Government officials say loopholes allow enforced silence, especially in creative industries with many contract roles.
- Proposals include banning NDAs from blocking disclosures of harassment or discrimination, even in informal or temporary relationships.
- A roundtable meeting is set for next week with TV, film, publishing, and sport leaders. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy will lead it.
- The meeting aims to ensure all individuals—regardless of employment status—can speak freely without legal risk.
Existing Legal Protections
Current law already bans NDAs from stopping victims from reporting crimes to police or regulators.
The government is now considering extending this to allow people to speak about crimes—including sexual misconduct—to the media or any public body without legal fear.
Background: How NDAs Work Today
Non-disclosure agreements prevent parties from sharing sensitive information. They are used in business and entertainment.
But they have been misused to stop victims from speaking about misconduct or abuse.
Why It Matters
The Walliams case and Russell Brand’s recent conviction for rape and sexual assault have intensified public concern.
Zelda Perkins, former assistant to Harvey Weinstein who broke an NDA to speak about abuse, says broader reforms are essential. She urged the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade to act.
“Extending protections beyond employees is absolutely key,” she said. “We need to keep up the pressure. The last few weeks have highlighted these issues clearly.”
Minister Lisa Nandy confirmed in Parliament that NDAs are central to enforced silence. She said she is working with the Ministry of Justice and will discuss the issue at the upcoming roundtable.
Related Legal Moves
A separate review by Lady Louise Casey found some abusers claimed consent to avoid serious charges. Her report recommends automatic rape charges for any adult having penetrative sex with a child under 16.
Officials say this change is being reviewed. But pressure to act quickly has grown. “This was happening anyway,” one official said. “But there is pressure to move quickly in the light of this week.”
What to Watch Next
The roundtable between Lisa Nandy and industry leaders is a key moment. It could lead to immediate policy changes or a formal consultation.
Public pressure and advocacy from campaigners like Zelda Perkins are likely to shape how fast the government acts.
While the focus is on NDAs, broader concerns include accountability in media and stronger protections for vulnerable people.
For more on the Walliams allegations, see the Guardian’s report.
For reactions from other public figures, see Jonathan Ross’s response.
Sources & further reading
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