This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Artist News Legal
Cliff Richard distances himself from ‘false’ sex crime claims
By Aly Barchi | Published on Friday 15 August 2014
Cliff Richard has labelled claims relating to an alleged historical sex offence as “completely false”, after his Berkshire home was searched by police yesterday.
Richard, who no longer lives in the UK, was not in attendance as police searched the house as part of an investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a boy, aged under sixteen at the time, in the 1980s. Having received a complaint from the alleged victim only recently, South Yorkshire Police are looking into claims that the then-minor was abused by an adult at a 1985 Christian faith rally, led by evangelical preacher Billy Graham, at Bramall Lane in Sheffield. No arrests have been made.
Releasing a statement to the press following reports on the raid of his home, and wider allegations, Richard, who’s currently staying in Portugal, said: “For many months I have been aware of allegations against me of historic impropriety which have been circulating online. The allegations are completely false. Up until now I have chosen not to dignify the false allegations with a response, as it would just give them more oxygen”.
The singer added: “However, the police attended my apartment in Berkshire today without notice, except it would appear to the press. I am not presently in the UK but it goes without saying that I will cooperate fully should the police wish to speak to me. Beyond stating that today’s allegation is completely false it would not be appropriate to say anything further until the police investigation has concluded”.
