Jimmy Savile Scandal: 425 Witnesses Have Contacted BBC Abuse Probe

LONDON -- The internal BBC probe into sexual abuse by late TV host Jimmy Savile has been contacted by more than 425 people and has interviewed 60 witnesses in person.

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The BBC shared the figures, which highlight the scale of the investigation led by retired high court judge Janet Smith, on Monday. It also mentioned about 250 total conversations with witnesses since the December start of the review.

The probe is expected to conclude in the fall, the team around Smith said.

The Smith review also said that it was closing in on appointing a child-protection expert to assist it.

The probe is examining allegations of sexual abuse by the former Top of the Pops host on BBC premises and whether management should have been aware of the abuse. It also is expected to draw up suggestions for possible policy updates to help avoid abuse and ensure child protection and whistleblowing in the future.

Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com
Twitter: @georgszalai