They weren’t accepted but in this case they weren’t known about and/or regarded as child abuse. So far as I know none of the victims, or their parents, complained. Indeed many pushy parents were proud that their kid “knew” a big personality. Although it is thought some of them were very young, most were in the 13 to 16 age group.

Don’t misunderstand me, I am not defending this in any way, but the sexual liberation of the 60s had a lingering impact and youngsters back then were “experimenting” earlier than in the past so could have regarded an advance from someone famous as flattering and not as abuse.

This was, and is, an issue for the whole of society and not just the BBC. All we are witnessing here is those who, for their own reasons dislike the BBC, using well publicised events to engage in some bashing, when many other similar events elsewhere have doubtless occurred under the radar.

I don't think it's prudent for BBC employees to be meeting young people regularly in hospitals anymore. I presume that was intentional humour. I thought perhaps you were going to say Stoke Mandeville.
As for dating sites - it was Grindr, which is loosely a dating site but more just for gay sex really. It's probably best defined as a gay shagging app.

seriously mate, are you on some strong medications ?

THAT was the apologising, Politically Correct, dismissive, 'in denial' and tolerant culture that allowed Jimmy Savile and the pakistani rape gangs ply their trade for decades....... with tons of new victims every year.

had i discovered a middle aged man contacting a young vulnerable kid within my remit.....i could not write online what my reaction would be. But it would certainly be beyond the remit of Howard Webb to referee.

Edited by PalazioVecchio (20 Jul 2023 12.46pm)

i am all for 'live and let live', tolerant and all that. But it doesnt extend so far as an ancient sleazy fella. Chasing after an impecunious boy with a fistful of Sterling in one hand and his erect langer in the other. Seeking the type of images that would get you an interview under Caution from the Old Bill.

Edited by PalazioVecchio (20 Jul 2023 1.09pm)

I am no more blaming the victims than the BBC! I am trying to explain what really happened in the circumstances of the prevailing culture of the time.

Yes, what they did was illegal but so too was what a high percentage of teenagers did in the 60s and 70s and no doubt still do today. Most of them without any sense of wrongdoing. Only a sense of fear, either of getting pregnant or of getting caught.

Again, don't misunderstand. I am not equating teenage behaviour with what Savile did. Only that many of his victims may well not have seen themselves as victims.