The success of Spotlight at the 88th Academy Awards sends a reminder to political figures that child abuse should not be swept under the carpet by Theresa May or anyone else
In Hollywood on Sunday, Leo DiCaprio and Mad Max triumphed but the surprise of the night was not Chris Rock tackling the #OscarsSoWhite controversy but the success of Spotlight – a film that highlighted the true story of The Boston Globe’s expose of a ring of paedophile priests in 2001 – 2002.
The success of the film – which deservedly won Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay at the 88th ceremony – caused surprise amongst the audience and of its message, producer Michael Sugar said institutional silence over child abuse should no longer be tolerated and added that he hoped its message would “resonate all the way to the Vatican”. He concluded by sending a direct message to the pontiff and remarked: “Pope Francis: it’s time to protect the children and restore the faith”.
In Britain, Home Secretary Theresea May ought to take note as shockingly much of what went on at the Elm Guest House and elsewhere continues to be swept under the carpet. Though it will be inconvenient for some, justice must be brought about for genuine victims of VIP abuse and it is also essential that those falsely accused have their names cleared.
Instead of continuing to give this important matter little-to-no priority, Mrs May would do well to spend a couple of hours watching Spotlight as this spectacularly made picture might set her straight about what must be done. It is time she acted and it is time this hapless woman did her bit to get justice for abused children everywhere.
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