Channel 4 has commissioned Passion Pictures to produce a groundbreaking documentary about serial abuser, John Smyth…
The crimes of John Smyth resulted in a major scandal that shook the Church of England. Smyth was a young QC and senior figure at a Christian charity when he started inflicting violent abuse on boys and young men.
His crimes began in his family home and escalated over decades and across continents until ultimately being revealed by church insiders, a Channel 4 News investigation and the brave actions of victims and survivors.
Anna Miralis, Senior Commissioning Editor at Channel 4:
“This important film, made by a team of remarkable documentary makers, demonstrates the Channel’s unflinching commitment to tackle difficult subject matter and provide the opportunity to those who have been silenced to speak out and share their experiences. This is the deeply disturbing story of a man who was able to escape culpability and evade justice, and pays tribute to the courage of those deeply affected. Passion have worked hard to build trust and ensure incredible access.”
After his death, a damning review found his crimes were covered up by senior Church officials, causing a seismic scandal that ultimately toppled the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.
The documentary will explore the psychology of a prolific abuser and tell the inside story of John Smyth’s sinister world, through exclusive and intimate testimony from those close to him. It will reveal the devastating impact of Smyth’s actions through moving accounts from victims and survivors in the UK and abroad.
Hamish Fergusson, Passion’s Creative Director:
“We’re thrilled to have secured such deep reaching access and assembled such a team to tell this important story with C4. Through powerful, and deeply moving testimony, this documentary will expose the shocking legacy of a man who used faith as a weapon and gives voice to the victims and survivors who refuse to let their stories be forgotten.”
