Jonathan Ross says he'd refuse 2004 David Walliams joke today
A 2004 Comedy Awards joke resurfaces after David Walliams faces abuse allegations.
Comedian Jonathan Ross has broken silence after old friends faced serious allegations. David Walliams is under investigation for sexual misconduct.
Russell Brand was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison Monday for rape and sexual assaults. Ross said in his statement he was unaware of either man's misconduct during their friendship.
Ross addressed a resurfaced 2004 Comedy Awards clip where he joked about Walliams and 15-year-old girls. Ross said the script team provided the joke, which he believed referenced Walliams' publicly known dating history.
Had he suspected actual wrongdoing, he said, he would have only refused to deliver it and ended the friendship. Walliams was identified after ITV News and the Guardian alleged he groomed girls and young women.
Why it mattersIt shows how celebrities' old comments and friendships face new scrutiny when serious allegations emerge.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, though Australians follow British entertainment news closely and many would know all three men.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 4 h ago
