LONDON, Nov. 12 -- UK media on Tuesday published allegations that British comedian and children's author David Walliams groomed teenage fans and sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl as well as harassing young female colleagues.

The claims, published by The Guardian newspaper and ITV news channel, came after a joint investigation into allegations by multiple women dating as far back as 2003.

Walliams, who lost a High Court battle against being identified in the UK media and did not appeal, denied targeting teenagers and using his fame to manipulate them to have sex, his lawyers told media.

His lawyers did not respond to a request for comment from AFP.

The Guardian published a letter Tuesday from Walliams, saying he "behaved thoughtles...