British publicist arrested in sex-abuse inquiry
For years, the affable, white-haired Max Clifford has been the “go to” guy for British celebrities seeking help with public relations fiascos. Now it is Clifford who may need help: He was arrested Thursday as part of a wide-ranging U.K. inquiry into sex abuse.
News of the arrest shocked Britain’s entertainment and media communities; Clifford has long been seen as a sage adviser with an uncanny ability to shape the news in his client’s favour.
He is known for his fabled ability to get certain stories into the papers — and keep others out.
It is too early to judge the impact of Thursday’s arrest on Clifford’s formidable reputation. Few details were available, and it is not clear if the 69-year-old will be charged with any offences.
Police did not name Clifford, as is customary, but his lawyer, Charlotte Harris, confirmed his arrest, which had been widely reported in the British media. She said he was cooperating with detectives.
“Max Clifford is being interviewed by police,” she said in a statement. “Mr. Clifford will assist the police as best he can with their inquiries. When we are in a position to provide further information, we will.”
Police said that a man in his 60s was arrested Thursday morning in Surrey, south of London, on suspicion of sexual offences and is being questioned at a central London police station.
The police statement said the arrest was part of Operation Yewtree, a broad investigation into child sex abuse spurred by the case of Jimmy Savile, a prominent BBC television host who has, since his death last year, been linked to serial sex abuse of underage girls. Police have said there may be several hundred victims.
The police statement does not link Thursday’s arrest to child sex abuse. It was not clear what Clifford was being questioned about, and other people arrested as part of Operation Yewtree have not been charged with criminal offences.
Clifford has been a fixture on British television news programs and in British newspapers, which frequently seek his thoughts on how celebrities can come up with novel marketing strategies to maximize their appeal — and how celebrities dealing with marital breakdowns, drug problems, legal issues or fading popularity can rebound.
His clients include entertainment mogul Simon Cowell, former Harrod’s owner Mohamed Al Fayed, and the late reality TV star Jade Goody, as well as dozens of ordinary people who found themselves at the vortex of the news and who sought to sell their stories to the press.