Libel laws deterred media from exposing credible child abuse allegations

Evidence

With strict libel laws, newspapers were leery of investigating allegations that Savile was sexually abusing children for fear of defamation lawsuits. “It’s too controversial—we can’t touch it” (Lyall & Turner, 2012). Paul Gambaccini, a radio host, claimed that Savile warned newspapers that publishing allegations would destroy his important charity work (Alleyne, 2012). — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement, 555