Particle.news
Download on the App Store

‘See No Evil’ Debuts on Channel 4 With New John Smyth Testimony, Including Widow’s Apology

Fresh testimony from survivors, including a public apology by Smyth’s widow, refocuses attention on the Church of England’s safeguarding failures.

Overview

  • Channel 4 is airing the two-part documentary See No Evil at 9pm on December 10 and 11, executive produced by Channel 4 News journalist Cathy Newman.
  • The films feature accounts from survivors and family members, including author Dr Mark Stibbe, daughter Fiona Rugg, and son PJ Smyth.
  • Anne Smyth, 81, apologises to victims on camera and says she regrets not confronting her husband, describing his temper and her fear.
  • The 2024 Makin Review found Smyth abused more than 100 boys and young men and that Church of England leaders failed to act, leading to Justin Welby’s resignation after acknowledging his failures.
  • Smyth died in 2018 in Cape Town while under investigation by Hampshire Police, leaving victims without a criminal trial.