REPORT: NO EVIDENCE BBC KNEW ANYTHING ABOUT SAVILE ABUSE
A report has found there’s no evidence that the BBC, as a corporation, knew anything about Jimmy Savile’s abuse.
The Dame Janet Smith review says certain junior and middle-ranking members of staff were aware of the presenter’s “inappropriate sexual behaviour”.
It concludes there were cultural factors at work which made it difficult to report complaints, especially when it concerned “talent such as Savile”.
However Dame Smith a former High Court Judge said her report did reveal some very uncomfortable truths about the BBC;
“This report makes sorry reading for the BBC, Dame Linda and I have found disturbing things and have not hesitated to expose them” she said.
“From a conversation I had with Lord Hall on Tuesday after he had read my report I’m satisifed he that entirely accepts that there is much work ahead for him, the BBC trust and the executive board.” she added.
In a statement, the chairman of the BBC Trust Rona Fairhead said she wanted to apologise to abuse survivors on behalf of the BBC.
She also said the BBC will ensure it does everything it possibly can to prevent any such similar events happening again in the future.
