GOOD Morning Britain host Richard Madeley has revealed he suffered abuse with a “sexual element” at age 11.
The TV presenter told how he was beaten with a cane at school while talking to fellow abuse survivor Earl Spencer.
Diana’s brother came on air to speak about the sexual assaults and violent beatings he suffered at Maidwell Hall boarding school revealed in his upcoming biography.
And during the chat Richard spoke about his own terrifying school experiences.
He explained: “It went on into the 1980s.
“I was regularly caned at school in the late 1960s and yes, there were sexual elements to it, undoubtedly.
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“It was real abuse.”
His co-host Susanna Reid said she was horrified, adding: “You are supposed to be protected by people because your parents aren’t there.”
Richard said the likes of boarding schools and prep schools “attracted paedophiles because they were allowed to operate under the guise of a reputable establishment.”
The host previously opened up about his trauma with The Telegraph – explaining two teachers who were having an affair would watch as he was caned.
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He said: “There was some quasi-sexual thing going on.
“Even at that age I could tell they were both a bit excited.”
Richard claims another teacher would pull the boys’ waistbands towards him and check they weren’t wearing underwear while playing rugby.
He said the “behaviour today would have people in prison for sexual assault.”
It comes as Earl Spencer told how an assistant matron, who he dubs a preyed upon him and other boys by grooming them and going on to abuse them in their dormitory beds at night.
He said: “We were totally disconnected and at the mercy of paedophiles and sadists.
“I was so caught up in the emotions I didn’t know what was going on.
“She would groom me and give me biscuits and come back for sexual things.”
Maidwell Hall said in a statement: “We are sorry that was their experience.
“It is difficult to read about practices which were, sadly, sometimes believed to be normal and acceptable at that time.
“Almost every facet of school life has evolved significantly since the 1970s. At the heart of the changes is the safeguarding of children and promotion of their welfare.”
It added it was “dismayed” to hear about the allegations of sexual abuse and referred them to the “local authority designated officer” who oversees such claims.
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It urged those with similar stories to contact the officer or the police.
- If you’ve been affected by sexual violence and would like information or support contact Supportline for free on 08 08 16 89 111
