LONDON – Police investigating child sex abuse allegations against the late BBC television host Jimmy Savile arrested former glam rock star and convicted sex offender Gary Glitter on Sunday, British media reported, raising further questions about whether Savile was at the center of a broader pedophile ring.

Police would not directly identify the suspect arrested Sunday, but media including the BBC and Press Association reported that he was the 68-year-old Glitter.

The musician, whose real name is Paul Gadd, made it big with the crowd-pleasing hit “Rock & Roll (Part 2),” which has been a staple at American sporting events, thanks to its catchy “hey” chorus. But he fell into disgrace after being convicted on child sex offenses in Vietnam.

Sunday’s arrest was the first in a widening scandal over Savile’s alleged sex crimes, which started garnering attention earlier this month when a television documentary showed several women claiming that Savile abused them when they were teenagers.

Hundreds of potential victims have since come forward to report similar claims to police against Savile, a much-loved children’s TV presenter and disc jockey who died at the age of 84 last year.

Most have alleged abuse by Savile, but some said they were abused by Savile and others.

Advertisement

The scandal has raised questions about whether the BBC, the publicly funded and trusted broadcaster, had ignored crimes it suspected over several decades. Its executives have apologized and vowed to uncover the true scale of the alleged abuse.

“The BBC’s reputation is on the line,” Chris Patten, the chairman of the BBC Trust, wrote in The Mail on Sunday newspaper. “The BBC risks squandering public trust because one of its stars over three decades was apparently a sexual criminal … and because others — BBC employees and hangers-on — may also have been involved.”

The BBC and Sky News showed footage Sunday of Glitter, in a hat, a dark coat and sunglasses, being taken from his home by officers and driven away.

Police would not directly identify the suspect, but when asked about Glitter, a spokesman said the force arrested a man in his 60s early Sunday in London on suspicion of sexual offenses in connection with the Savile probe. He was freed later Sunday.

Hurricane threat rains on Broadway’s parade

 

Advertisement

NEW YORK – Broadway took the threat of the mammoth storm seriously, with theater owners canceling all Sunday evening and Monday performances of shows like “The Book of Mormon” “Once” and “Mama Mia!” long before a drop of rain fell in Times Square.

“The safety and security of theatergoers and employees is everyone’s primary concern,” said Charlotte St. Martin, executive director of The Broadway League, which represents producers.

Forecasts called for rain late Sunday or early Monday, and subway and public transportation was to be halted Sunday evening, potentially stranding theatergoers. Refunds will be made available from the point of purchase.

Off-Broadway shows including “Stomp,” “Bad Jews” and “Golden Child” were also canceled Sunday night. Many shows have Mondays as their day off.

Storm? Some stars say they needn’t worry

NEW YORK – Kim Kardashian isn’t worried about the behemoth storm expected to pummel the eastern U.S. with rain and wind this week.

Advertisement

Dressed as a blond mermaid for her Halloween party Saturday night in New York, the star joked that her boyfriend, Kanye West — wearing a nautical-looking outfit — could “sail” her to safety if need be.

West didn’t talk to press covering the event but smiled and took photos of Kardashian.

It’s the second year Kardashian has hosted the Midori Green Halloween party. She has an endorsement deal with the liquor company.

The reality star said it took two months to plan her costume, inspired by the 1984 film “Splash,” and two hours to get ready.

Madonna gets to know audience

 

Advertisement

NEW ORLEANS — Madonna drew boos and triggered a walkout by several concertgoers after she touted President Obama on her “MDNA Tour” in New Orleans.

The Material Girl asked during Saturday night’s performance: “Who’s registered to vote?” She added: “I don’t care who you vote for as long as you vote for Obama.”

Drawing boos in touting Obama over Republican Mitt Romney, Madonna followed: “Seriously, I don’t care who you vote for … Do not take this privilege for granted. Go vote.”

— From news service reports


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.