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Jimmy Savile Inquiry Accuses BBC of Failing to Report Sexual Abuse | |
(35 minutes later) | |
LONDON — A culture of fear and deference to stars at the BBC allowed Jimmy Savile, the disgraced British television personality, to sexually abuse 72 victims, including children, according to a long-awaited report published on Thursday. | LONDON — A culture of fear and deference to stars at the BBC allowed Jimmy Savile, the disgraced British television personality, to sexually abuse 72 victims, including children, according to a long-awaited report published on Thursday. |
The three-year independent investigation, ordered by the BBC to scrutinize its own handling of the case, was conducted by Dame Janet Smith, a retired judge. It covered a period of more than four decades, from 1964 to 2007, during which Mr. Savile was employed by the BBC. | The three-year independent investigation, ordered by the BBC to scrutinize its own handling of the case, was conducted by Dame Janet Smith, a retired judge. It covered a period of more than four decades, from 1964 to 2007, during which Mr. Savile was employed by the BBC. |
In the scathing report of more than 700 pages, Dame Janet concluded that Mr. Savile had raped at least eight people during his time at the BBC, including an 8 year old. | In the scathing report of more than 700 pages, Dame Janet concluded that Mr. Savile had raped at least eight people during his time at the BBC, including an 8 year old. |
She said that BBC employees had been aware of complaints against Mr. Savile, but that their concerns had not been conveyed to senior management because of a culture of fear that she said still exists at the broadcaster. | |
Mr. Savile, who died in 2011, was one of the most celebrated and beloved personalities in Britain until accusations that he had preyed on hundreds of adults and children, and had sexually abused dozens, came to light in 2012. | Mr. Savile, who died in 2011, was one of the most celebrated and beloved personalities in Britain until accusations that he had preyed on hundreds of adults and children, and had sexually abused dozens, came to light in 2012. |
Rona Fairhead, chairwoman of the BBC Trust, said on Thursday that she was “saddened and appalled” by the report. | Rona Fairhead, chairwoman of the BBC Trust, said on Thursday that she was “saddened and appalled” by the report. |
“No one reading the reports can be in any doubt that the BBC failed them,” she said in a statement. “It failed, not just them, but the public, its audiences and its staff.” | “No one reading the reports can be in any doubt that the BBC failed them,” she said in a statement. “It failed, not just them, but the public, its audiences and its staff.” |
She continued: “It turned a blind eye where it should have shone a light. And it did not protect those who put their trust in it.” She apologized to the survivors for all that they had endured. |