Channel 4 examines The Max Clifford Story

26 November 2020

Channel 4 goes behind the headlines to reveal the story of Max Clifford, the notorious publicist who was jailed for indecent assaults against underage girls and young women, in a revealing documentary by Story Films.

With access to over 30 hours of previously unheard audio recordings of Clifford, and devastating testimony from victims of his crimes, this 1 x 90 film pieces together an extraordinary picture of a man who was a ruthless and manipulative sex offender.

Over a 20-year period, this self-appointed arbiter of right and wrong became one of the most influential men in Britain, carrying more sway than politicians, celebrities and multi-millionaires.   In 2014 Clifford was jailed – one of the first to be convicted as part of Operation Yewtree’s investigations into historic sex crimes. 

Speaking publicly for the first time some of Clifford’s victims tell their story, what it took for them to come forward and what it was like to be in the middle of the media circus that Clifford’s trial would inevitably become.

Sacha Mirzoeff, Head of Channel 4 Bristol and Factual Commissioner,  said: “Story Films have used fine journalistic skills to uncover new material that sheds fresh light on the man who was hailed as the king of the celebrity-focused press and, as such, seemed untouchable.  With skilful storytelling and strong testimony from a variety of friends, colleagues and victims they start to reveal and unravel the mind of the convicted sex offender who was one of the most powerful and complex public figures of his generation – full of contradiction, self-importance and myth-making.  This extraordinary feature length single film uncovers the true consequences of his actions.”

Peter Beard, Executive Producer, Story Films, said: “This film will give a unique view of a man who dominated the British media for decades. It's only now, hearing first-hand testimony from his victims and the audio recordings we have of him, that we're able to understand the depth of his secrets and lies.”

 

***ENDS***

 

Executive producers: Peter Beard, David Nath

Director: Toby Paton

Producer:  Dearbhaile Flynn

Production Company: Story Films

Commissioning Editor: Sacha Mirzoeff

 

For further information, please contact:  srosier@channel4.co.uk