Controversy around writer with his own themed area in English theme park
In 2023, David Walliams, the author behind Gangsta Granny and the figurehead of the Alton Towers area, came under renewed scrutiny. Looopings linked the controversy to The World of David Walliams, where Gangsta Granny: The Ride remained part of the line-up.
More context
In November 2023, the context around Gangsta Granny: The Ride gained a less cheerful chapter. Looopings reported on renewed controversy surrounding David Walliams, the author of the book on which the dark ride is based and the figure behind The World of David Walliams at Alton Towers. Walliams had come under scrutiny in the United Kingdom after disrespectful remarks about Britain's Got Talent contestants, after which he left the programme.
The article placed that issue in a wider pattern of controversy. Walliams had reached a settlement with production company Fremantle, which he had sued over leaked conversations. Earlier debates had also surrounded his work and television shows, including the removal of series because of blackface and stereotyping. Looopings noted that Alton Towers did not respond to the news.
For Gangsta Granny: The Ride, this matters because the attraction is strongly tied to Walliams as both author and brand. The dark ride remained part of The World of David Walliams, alongside Flavio's Fabulous Fandango, Raj's Bouncy Bottom Burp and Royal Carousel. The article shows how the reputation of a creator can shape the way visitors and fans look at a themed area.