Friday, July 22, 2011

"Murdock, he wrote."

Image courtesy of Guns, Gams, and Gumshoes
UK - A TV show personally overseen by Rupert Murdoch allegedly bugged the rooms of celebrities, politicians and other guests, the show's musical director told a friend shortly before his death, it has been claimed. The allegations came in a 'frantic' phone call from respected BBC journalist and musician, George Webley, days before Webley's untimely death in May, his friend John Romano said. “I have literally never talked to someone so afraid”, Romano said.

“Before his death, George Webley alleged that a News Corp entity bugged dressing rooms of celebs and politicos as far back as 1990. The allegation, if true, would show that News Corp had a pattern of bugging and hacking over a long period of time that went far beyond a rogue editor or reporter for News of the World,” Romano claimed...

Murdoch-owned papers bugged people all the time, long before the time frame that they are accused of”, Webley claimed, according to Romano. After remaining silent for many years Webley had in 2011 taken his allegations of illegal bugging activity to UK authorities investigating News Corp, Romano believed, and he now feared for his safety, believing his phone was tapped and he was being followed.
“I’ve pissed some really powerful people off”, Webley told Romano in April this year. The BBC journalist seemed so frightened that Romano asked him if he felt his life was in danger. “No, Murdoch’s game is to destroy your life, not end it”, he replied. One week later, Webley died at home, aged 53. Local authorities are yet to release a report on his death but have not described it as suspicious. (more)