Oh Dear! Cliff Richard house search follows sex abuse claim at Billy Graham rally

[malaise]

Fundie folks and sex scandals - great is thy hypocrisy

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/aug/14/cliff-richard-house-search-claims-sexual-abuse-billy-graham-rally-1985
<snip>
A police raid on a home owned by Cliff Richard is part of an investigation into an allegation of sexual assault on a boy at a rally held by the evangelical US preacher Billy Graham three decades ago.

Graham, a friend and counsellor to former US presidents Richard Nixon, George Bush Sr and George W Bush, held the rally in Sheffield in June 1985.

Richard's home in Sunningdale, Berkshire, was raided after police gained a search warrant from Sheffield magistrates court.

Police said the alleged victim came forward with the complaint recently. South Yorkshire police, who received the complaint, said they were treating it seriously and had begun a criminal investigation.

In a statement, South Yorkshire police said: "A search warrant was granted after police received an allegation of a sexual nature dating back to the 1980s involving a boy who was under the age of 16 at the time. No one has been arrested and the owner of the property was not present."

Graham, dubbed "America's pastor", has been friends with Richard for decades. The singer chose a Graham rally in London in 1966 to announce that he was a Christian.

[Siwsan]

1. There have been a whole lot of British celebrities being accused of decades old sexual abuse

Two major actors from Coronation Street, William Roache and Michael LaVelle were charged and both found innocent. The charges were based on things that happened about 30 or 40 years ago, for one, and about a decade for the other. Several other celebritiess have been convicted - Gary Glitter is an example.

It seems the Jimmy Savile scandal triggered a lot of accusations that were either false, or so old there was no way to offer proof other than the supposed victim's word. No doubt some were people seeking attention, money or both. And, no doubt, some were very credible accusations.

[longship]

2. No worries. This always happens at Graham rallies.

Just ignore it. Please.

[malaise]

3. ROFL

[onethatcares]

4. jeez. I need to take a break

I read the OP as "Keith Richards" facepalm: :

I'm so sorry.

[malaise]

7. LOL

Clearly you didn't see my governor Brownback post

[HipChick]

5. Is he still alive? After Rolf Harris

I am shocked, and to think I met him as a little girl and sat in his lap...

[malaise]

6. Bwaaaaaaaaaah - I sent this to one of my sisters

She adored him. I never liked him.

[HipChick]

8. He had those kola bears

He even gave me a stuffed one..it creeps me out