Twenty Current, Former BBC Workers Face Allegations of Sexual Abuse

LONDON, May 31 (UPI) — 

Thirty-six complaints have been filed against the employees since October, when a television documentary aired dozens of allegations of child sexual abuse against the late Jimmy Savile, a longtime BBC personality, The Guardian reported Thursday.

Citing information it obtained under a Freedom of Information request, the newspaper said 152 allegations of sexual abuse have been made against 81 BBC employees and freelancers in the past six months. Forty-eight of the complaints were against Savile, who died in October 2011.

The allegations name employees who have worked at the BBC during the past 50 years — half of whom are current BBC employees or contributors.

Police are investigating cases against five of them. Three of the employees have been suspended the outcome of the investigations.

Allegations against 25 current staff members or freelancers have been made to police, the request found. No action was taken in 20 cases.

An inquiry led by judge Dame Janet Smith is looking into the BBC culture and practices during the Savile era and may consider some of the allegations.Twenty current or former BBC employees have been accused of sexually abusing children and teenagers, BBC records indicate.