Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

BBC potential appeal re Cliff Richard

177 replies

IWannaSeeHowItEnds · 18/07/2018 11:07

Aibu to think that the BBC, having had their arses handed to them this morning, have no business considering appeal against the judgement?
I don't agree with them spending even more of our money justifying their appallong behaviour.

OP posts:
Original poster
IWannaSeeHowItEnds · 27/07/2018 17:52

I despair when people refer to CR's court case as a 'hissy fit'.
Can you imagine seeing your house being raided on the news, being accused of some of the worst crimes people can commit, having all the personal details of your life raked over, a lifetime's reputation in tatters?

And even now, following extensive investigation, where there was no arrest, no case to answer, the police have admitted fault and the court who are in possession of all the facts, categorically absolve CR of any wrongdoing and lay blame at tbe BBC, that's not good enough for some people, who persist in saying no smoke etc, on the basis of fuck all evidence.

OP posts:
DGRossetti · 27/07/2018 17:56

that's not good enough for some people, who persist in saying no smoke etc, on the basis of fuck all evidence

You'd think the Sally Bercow incident might have acted as a deterrent ....

niketrainersarecomfy · 27/07/2018 17:58

I think the bbc acted shamelessly. Good on Cliff for having won. Poor man

user1457017537 · 27/07/2018 18:16

I prefer to save my sympathy for all the children over the years who have been abused. If you are not an abuser you have nothing to worry about. CR won his case and substantial damages

longwayoff · 27/07/2018 18:19

Joe66 what possible difference can it make to you whether CR is gay, straight or neuter? Its none of our business.

longwayoff · 27/07/2018 18:21

Sorry joe I see you were quoting someone else. My apologies

RedDogsBeg · 27/07/2018 18:24

If you are not an abuser you have nothing to worry about user145.. oh ha bloody ha, nothing to worry about except the whole of the 'no smoke without fire, word on the street, rumour mill, etc.,etc., brigade' some evident here on this very thread.

That statement is about as credible as the trite "If you've got nothing to hide you've got nothing to fear" mantra that is frequently trotted out by those who have never taken the time or trouble to read and understand history.

Original poster
IWannaSeeHowItEnds · 27/07/2018 18:26

User, that has got to be one of the most stupid comments I have read. It is possible, you know, to have sympathy for abuse victims and those who are falsely accused. CR had plenty to worry about - if he hadn't had the money to persue legal action, the police and BBC would have gotten away with this outrageous behaviour.
I doubt the damages even touch the sides of what it has actually cost him to try and clear his name, something which is seemingly impossible to do if some posters comments are anything to go by!

OP posts:
Bombardier25966 · 27/07/2018 18:27

but he does openly live with another man now

He's lived with John McElynn for years, that's never been a secret. Or are you implying that two men living together must be in a sexual relationship?

I admire the way he's never discussed his sexuality. It really is no one's business.

Amanduh · 27/07/2018 18:28

Exactly. Lives and careers are tainted by false allegations, because those people are dragged through the mud before it is revealed they are innocent. Mud sticks. This thread or a search on social media proves that. It’s awful.

user1457017537 · 27/07/2018 18:28

Someone’s sexuality is no ones business.
However there are unsubstantiated rumours that persist. The BBC are considering appealing the damages awarded against them. To be honest the coverage was way over the top and resembled the O J Simpson car chase. The police are to blame as since when have arrests been televised.

RedDogsBeg · 27/07/2018 18:35

Precisely user UNSUBSTANTIATED RUMOURS - I would doubt that there is an actor, singer, or any other well known person about whom there have NOT been unsubstantiated rumours on anything from the most mundane to the most serious at some time.

Being Judge, Jury and Executioner on the basis of unsubstantiated rumours or gossip is a very dangerous path to go down.

user1457017537 · 27/07/2018 18:52

Well the police must have thought they had reason to search his home, and it’s funny how they haven’t been sued, only the BBC. Presumably for invasion of privacy.

RedDogsBeg · 27/07/2018 19:46

The Police were sued by CR, they settled out of Court.

derxa · 27/07/2018 20:13

I was one of the ones who bought into the 'Kitty' story. Now I'm not so sure.

KlutzyDraconequus · 27/07/2018 20:50

User

www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/26/sir-cliff-richard-settles-row-south-yorkshire-police-raid-home/

He did sue the police ..
You know Google is a thing right?

Bombardier25966 · 27/07/2018 21:04

I was one of the ones who bought into the 'Kitty' story. Now I'm not so sure.

I read into it a fair bit, and couldn't find anything to substantiate it. I've no doubt that paedophile rings did happen - and still do - but this has been the subject of several police investigations and they've never uncovered anything to relate Cliff Richard to them.

Joe66 · 27/07/2018 22:15

Of course you're right that sexuality isn't anybody's business but I was commenting more on the social/legal side that thankfully people don't have to hide their sexuality now. As for CR being innocent I really cannot understand how people on here can believe anything else. Miscarriages of justice have happened after being charged and found guilty by a judge, or judge and jury, and CR was not even charged.

user1457017537 · 28/07/2018 06:32

I think anyone who implies that there is no evidence re historic child abuse and who believes that that everyone who has been exonerated is innocent is extremely naive.
A lot of the victims have committed suicide, have mental health problems or addiction to alcohol and drugs. They would not make good witnesses and would be demolished by defence barristers. As I have previously stated children cannot remember dates or exact locations. What is happening with this Inquiry that’s all gone quiet hasn’t it. Especially after all the resignations. Exaro News went into receivership.

longwayoff · 28/07/2018 06:59

User the inquiry is sitting, yesterday it took evidence from Prince Charles. I have about as much faith as you in its ability or willingness to come to a decision that is anything other than unsatisfactory to many.. However, CR must be regarded as blameless concerning the allegations which resulted in the sorry mess of south yorkshire and bbc.

HattieAndHerBoy · 28/07/2018 09:15

Well the police must have thought they had reason to search his home, and it’s funny how they haven’t been sued, only the BBC. Presumably for invasion of privacy

I suspect the only reason they had for searching his home was because they didn't dare not search it after Jimmy Saville etc. They had to be seen to be doing something and Cliff was a sitting duck target.

Original poster
IWannaSeeHowItEnds · 28/07/2018 10:20

Agree with Hattie. The police failed so badly with Rotherham and Saville that they are desperate to recover their reputation.

OP posts:
UpstartCrow · 28/07/2018 10:25

To an absolute cynic, it could look like the police and BBC 'outed' someone who was innocent, popular and wouldn't be considered guilty, in an attempt to discredit the entire investigation and cause doubt on the other convictions.

RedDogsBeg · 28/07/2018 10:49

No-one is saying allegations shouldn't be investigated, CR has not said or even implied that, it is the manner in which the investigation was conducted that is the issue.

user1457017537 · 28/07/2018 10:56

Longeayoff I agree I hadn’t realised Prince Charles was giving evidence yesterday.