Pete Townshend has removed a story from his website that dealt with a fictional sexual relationship between two sixteen year olds, following complaints from children's charities. Kidscape director Michele Elliot said: "It's just a form of titillation. Responsible adults should not put graphic details of teenagers having sex on the web."
Townshend, of course received a caution over accessing child pornography three years ago, but at the time said that he had accessed a child pornography site as part of research for his autobiography. On the new controversy, he has written a message on his website saying that he accepted that the story had "upset certain people, and I sincerely do not wish to offend anyone", whilst also apologising to "those of you who were beginning to enjoy it". He added: "I have to accept that even if I write fiction I do so as someone who is well known and carry my past and controversy with me."
Tink Palmer, of children's charity Stop It Now! commented: "Bearing in mind that he is on the sex offender's register and received a caution, it is most ill-advised, especially considering the popularity of his music and the fact lots of people look up to him."
It's possibly fair comment to say that his actions are 'ill-advised', under the circumstances. But the last time I looked, sixteen was, in fact, the age of consent.