Media Dismissive of Credibility
Though the full nature of the allegations has yet to be made public in the United Kingdom (outside Scotland), few media commentators have expressed any belief in Smith's story. Geoffrey Wheatcroft, a British media commentator, speaking on The Last Word, an Irish radio current affairs programme, called Smith "probably the most unreliable source for any story on anything anywhere in the United Kingdom". Other commentators have expressed similar criticisms. Simon Solari, who worked as the Prince of Wales's valet for 15 years, was equally dismissive of Smith's claims, saying that a royal valet simply would not have had the opportunity to witness the scene Smith described - even if it actually took place.
Only the Mail on Sunday defended Smith. In a story that hinted at Smith's claims but did not reproduce them due to the legal restrictions, it quoted Smith as saying:
- I lost my job, my house, my wife and children because it all became too much for me... Today I feel under great stress again because the establishment is mounting a campaign against me. They are very powerful and privileged and have lots of money to pay lawyers to prevent me from telling the truth.
Smith claims only to have witnessed a member of the Royal Family and his aide "tucked up under the sheets, lying next to each other". There is no suggestion that a sexual act was taking place when Smith (allegedly) entered the room. According to the valet's brother, Bryan Smith:
- George has told me there was no physical activity but you didn't have to be a brain surgeon to work out what had been going on.
On 13 June 2004, the Sunday Telegraph claimed that Smith had withdrawn his allegations. But he repudiated their claim, and stated that while he had been tempted by their offer of cash in return for a withdrawal, he had refused the offer, because the allegations were true.
Read more about this topic: George Smith (royal Servant)
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