The BBC has been slammed for its upcoming drama on paedophile TV presenter Jimmy Savile.
The Reckoning will star Steve Coogan as the deceased DJ and will look at how he was able to get away with his vile abuse for decades without being caught.
Savile's horrific crimes only came to light after his death in 2011, when hundreds of survivors courageously came forward and told their stories.
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In 2016, an independent investigation found that the BBC missed opportunities to stop Savile's 'monstrous' abuse as there was a 'culture of fear'.
And since news of the actor's involvement in the production was announced this weekend, people online have shared their disgust, branding the BBC hypocrites for its involvement.
Writing on Twitter, one user said: "A drama about Jimmy Savile made by the BBC? I wonder if it will show how they were complicit in covering up his disgusting crimes for years?"
Echoing the criticism, another commented: "BBC to get viewers using the Savile issue? Shocking. Disgusting."
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"So let me just get this straight... the BBC spent decades profiting off, platforming and protecting Savile through his life with no regard for his victims to now make a TV series to profit off and revive is memory with no regard for his victims? Will they cover their complicitness?" asked a third.
While another added: "Could go my whole life without seeing a drama series on this.
"Given the Savile victims were vulnerable children and I have no doubt this still affects them now also probably many who didn't speak out, who needs to see this misery."
In a statement yesterday (26 September), Coogan said that it was an incredibly difficult decision to take on the role but that he did so because he felt it was a story that needed telling.
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He said: "To play Jimmy Savile was not a decision I took lightly.
"Neil McKay has written an intelligent script tackling sensitively a horrific story which, however harrowing, needs to be told."
According to the BBC, it is working closely with some of the survivors to make sure the story is told with "sensitivity and respect".
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"The team are working closely with many people whose lives were impacted by Savile to ensure their stories are told with sensitivity and respect, and the drama series will also draw on extensive and wide-ranging research sources. It will examine the impact his crimes had on his victims and the powerlessness many felt when they tried to raise the alarm," the broadcaster said in a press release.
In a statement last year announcing the drama, the BBC said of the project: "Savile, an eccentric showman, the youngest of seven siblings, used his involvement in multiple organisations, such as hospitals, prisons, charities and the BBC, to legitimise himself.
"The drama will explore the way he used smoke and mirrors to conceal his wrongdoings."
BBC drama controller Piers Wenger said the new series does 'not intend to sensationalise these crimes', but instead to 'give voice to his victims'.
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He said: "Drama has the ability to tackle sensitive real-life subjects and consider the impact of a crime on its survivors and what lessons can be learnt to stop this ever happening again."
The BBC did not wish to add any further comment at this stage.
A release date for The Reckoning has not yet been announced.
Topics: Drama, Entertainment, UK Entertainment