Jimmy Tarbuck Opens Up About 'Terrible' Operation Yewtree Arrest Experience
Legendary British entertainer Jimmy Tarbuck has spoken candidly about what he describes as the "terrible" experience of being arrested as part of Operation Yewtree, the high-profile police investigation into historic sexual abuse within the entertainment industry.
The 2013 Arrest That Made Headlines
The comedian and television presenter, whose career spanned from the 1960s to the early 1990s, found himself at the centre of media attention in April 2013 when he was arrested following allegations made by six separate individuals. The arrest came as part of Operation Yewtree, which was launched in the aftermath of revelations about Jimmy Savile's predatory behaviour and focused particularly on allegations involving children.
Tarbuck was released without charge nearly a year later, after providing evidence that he was performing in London on the specific night mentioned in the allegations dating back to the late 1970s.
'Very Worrying' Period for Family
In a rare interview with The Daily Telegraph, Tarbuck reflected on the profound impact the investigation had on his personal life. "That was very worrying, and terrible for the family, especially the younger ones," he revealed. The entertainer expressed particular concern about how the allegations affected his loved ones during what he described as a distressing period.
Tarbuck recalled his initial reaction to the nature of the allegations, quoting himself as saying: "Kids? I said, 'Are you kidding me?'" He also mentioned fellow comedian Ken Dodd's perspective, who reportedly said: "If I'd seen him going away with ten chorus girls, I'd believe it. But not schoolgirls."
Questioning Police Methods and Celebrity Culture
The veteran entertainer offered critical observations about the investigation process, suggesting that "people were being played by the police – and not just by the police, but by people reporting them to the police." His comments highlight ongoing debates about police methods during high-profile celebrity investigations.
On the subject of Jimmy Savile, whose crimes prompted Operation Yewtree, Tarbuck was unequivocal: "I never liked him. Just a strange guy, and there was Thatcher and all the others shaking hands with him. And he got a knighthood!" His remarks underscore the complex relationship between celebrity culture, establishment recognition, and subsequent revelations about predatory behaviour.
Other High-Profile Cases Under Operation Yewtree
Tarbuck was not alone in experiencing the impact of Operation Yewtree without facing formal charges. Several other prominent figures in British entertainment found themselves investigated but ultimately faced no further action, including:
- Comedian Jim Davidson
- DJ Mike Osman
- Presenter Paul Gambaccini
The Cliff Richard Investigation
One of the most notable cases connected to Operation Yewtree involved singer Cliff Richard, who was never arrested but whose Berkshire home was raided by police in 2014 while he was at his second home in Portugal. The BBC broadcast footage of the raid, which prompted significant media attention.
Officers were investigating an allegation by a man who claimed he was sexually assaulted by Richard in 1985. The singer was never arrested or charged, and the case was dropped two years later. In 2018, Richard won a High Court case against the BBC for its coverage of the raid, eventually receiving £2 million from the broadcaster to settle the case.
Following the legal proceedings, Richard described the allegations and subsequent media coverage as the "worst thing that has happened to me in my entire life," highlighting the profound personal impact such investigations can have even when no charges are brought.
Legacy of Operation Yewtree
Operation Yewtree represents a significant chapter in British criminal justice history, prompting important conversations about historic abuse, celebrity culture, and police investigation methods. While the operation led to several convictions, it also raised questions about the treatment of individuals who were investigated but never charged, and the lasting impact such investigations have on their personal and professional lives.
Tarbuck's reflections add a personal dimension to these broader discussions, offering insight into the human cost of high-profile police investigations even when they don't result in criminal proceedings.
