In October 2012, Dame Janet Smith was appointed by the BBC to lead an inquiry into the corporation's connection to the sexual abuse committed by Jimmy Savile, a popular television and radio host.[1] The final report, titled The Dame Janet Smith Review Report, was published on 25 February 2016.[2]
In her investigation, Smith called for evidence from people who were the subject of inappropriate sexual conduct by Jimmy Savile on BBC premises, or on location for the BBC; people who knew of or suspected such conduct; anyone who raised concerns about Savile's conduct within the BBC; people who worked for or with Savile on programmes at the BBC between about 1964 and 2007, or who were familiar with "the culture or practices of the BBC during that time insofar as they may have been relevant to preventing or enabling the sexual abuse of children, young people or teenagers"; and people who held senior positions at the BBC who may have relevant information.[3][4]
She found that Savile had sexually abused 72 people and had raped eight people, including an eight-year-old. Offences had occurred at "virtually every one of the BBC premises at which he worked". She also found that some members of the BBC staff were aware of complaints against Savile but did nothing about them.
- ^ "Jimmy Savile scandal: BBC announces inquiry heads". BBC News. 16 October 2012. Retrieved 16 October 2012.
- ^ Smith, Janet (2016). "The Dame Janet Smith Review" (PDF). Retrieved 27 February 2016.
- ^ "Appeal for witnesses – Jimmy Savile". The Dame Janet Smith Review. November 2012. Archived from the original on 18 August 2020. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
- ^ "Jimmy Savile scandal: Dame Janet Smith seeks witnesses". BBC News. 14 November 2012. Retrieved 24 December 2012.