BBC Issues Apology, Slams British Comedian David Walliams for Repeating Nazi Salute During Christmas Show Recording

Published: June 12, 2025

A journalist who was in the audience told BBC he was "shocked" after Walliams "started doing the Nazi salute" during a recording of Would I Lie to You? for BBC One's Christmas special.

Walliams' Offensive Gesture Leaves Audience Uncomfortable

The 53-year-old comedian made what the network deemed an "offensive gesture" during a segment of the show, which was being recorded on Tuesday, June 10. Actress Helen George was reenacting a prompt about spraining her wrist from waving when she went on the Strictly Come Dancing tour in 2015, which reportedly led to Walliams doing a Nazi salute.

David Walliams attends the 'Queer' Gala Screening at The Curzon Mayfair on December 10, 2024. Credit: Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty>

<p>A journalist who was in the audience told BBC he was

The show's host, Rob Brydon, made a comment towards Walliams that reminded him that the show would be broadcast over the holiday with families tuning in, presumably as a means of discouraging him, but the comedian did the gesture a second time.

BBC and Production Company Condemn Walliams' Actions

A BBC spokesperson and a representative for the show's production company both condemned Walliams' actions. Following the recording, BBC shared a statement issuing an apology to the audience members present for any offense caused and said that "the use of such an offensive gesture is completely unacceptable."

A statement was also released by a spokesperson for the owner of the show's production company, Banijay UK, which called the move "completely unacceptable in any context."

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