Police raid: BBC reporter refuses to say sorry to Sir Cliff
A BBC reporter who revealed Cliff Richard was being investigated over child sex allegations has refused to apologise to the singer and said he was pleased to have “broken such a big story”.
But Dan Johnson said he was sorry Sir Cliff, 77, “went through such a difficult time” .
Mr Johnson acknowledged using the term “celebrity paedo” when referring to the case in an email to a colleague. But he said it was a “shorthand reference” and not his “overall approach”. He told the singer’s barrister, Justin Rushbrooke QC: “In external dealings and the way I covered it, I’ve been professional and fair.”
The reporter told the High Court he was “pleased to have broken such a big story”.
He later added: “I don’t believe I was at fault, I just reported the facts.” He said he guessed the singer’s name after a contact told him police were looking at “just one more major figure”.
He said he had heard “rumours” about Sir Cliff. The singer is suing the BBC over coverage of the August 2014 South Yorkshire Police search of his home in Sunningdale, Berks.
He wants damages for a “very serious invasion” of privacy that left him “tainted”.
The BBC defends its coverage. Sir Cliff denied the child sex claims and faces no charges.
He was never arrested South Yorkshire Police paid him £400,000 damages and £300,000 in costs. The case continues.