People Are Furious After Seeing What Michael Barrymore Did: A News Explainer
The name Michael Barrymore has resurfaced in headlines, sparking renewed outrage and prompting calls for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Stuart Lubbock in 2001. This resurgence of anger stems from a Channel 4 documentary, "Barrymore: The Body in the Pool," broadcast in 2020, and its continued impact through social media and public discourse. But what exactly happened, who was involved, and why is this case still generating such intense emotions?
What Happened? The Death of Stuart Lubbock
On March 31, 2001, Stuart Lubbock, a 31-year-old butcher, was found dead in the swimming pool of Michael Barrymore's luxury home in Roydon, Essex. Lubbock had been at a party hosted by Barrymore the previous evening. The initial police investigation ruled the death as unexplained, but a later inquest recorded an open verdict. The post-mortem examination revealed that Lubbock had suffered severe anal injuries before his death, suggesting a possible sexual assault. Toxicology reports showed he had consumed alcohol and ecstasy.
Who Was Involved? Barrymore and the Party Guests
The party at Barrymore's house that night involved several guests, including Lubbock. Besides Barrymore, the key individuals present were:
- Jonathan Kenney: Barrymore's then-boyfriend.
- Justin Merritt and Simon Shaw: Two other men who left the property before Lubbock's body was discovered.
- Evening of March 30th: Barrymore, Lubbock, and others meet in a local nightclub.
- Early Hours of March 31st: The group moves to Barrymore's house for an after-party.
- Morning of March 31st: Lubbock's body is discovered in the swimming pool.
- Unanswered Questions: The open verdict of the inquest leaves many questions unanswered about the circumstances of Lubbock's death.
- Barrymore's Behavior: Barrymore's initial reaction and subsequent media appearances have been criticized as insensitive and evasive. His attempts to restart his career have been met with resistance.
- Police Investigation: The initial police investigation was criticized for potential oversights and a lack of thoroughness. In 2007, Essex Police admitted that some items at the scene had gone missing.
- Anal Injuries: The nature of Lubbock's injuries suggests foul play, adding to the suspicion that his death was not accidental.
While Barrymore has always maintained his innocence and denied any involvement in Lubbock's death, the circumstances surrounding the event and his subsequent behavior have drawn intense scrutiny. All party guests have denied involvement.
When and Where Did This Occur? The Timeline and Location
The events took place on the night of March 30th and the early hours of March 31st, 2001, at Michael Barrymore's home in Roydon, Essex. The timeline is crucial:
The exact sequence of events between the party and the discovery of the body remains contested, fueling suspicion and speculation.
Why the Outrage? Suspicion and Lack of Accountability
The public's anger stems from several factors:
The Channel 4 documentary reignited public interest, presenting new evidence and highlighting the failures of the initial investigation. Viewing figures peaked at 2.1 million, demonstrating the continued public fascination and concern surrounding the case (Source: BARB).
Historical Context: Barrymore's Rise and Fall
Michael Barrymore was one of the UK's most popular television personalities in the 1980s and 1990s. He hosted primetime shows like "Strike It Lucky" and "My Kind of People," drawing millions of viewers. His career was at its peak when Lubbock's death occurred. The scandal effectively ended his career, and he faced significant public backlash. While he attempted comebacks, they were largely unsuccessful due to the lingering public perception surrounding the Lubbock case.
Current Developments: Terry Lubbock's Campaign and New Evidence
Terry Lubbock, Stuart's father, dedicated the last two decades of his life to seeking justice for his son. He relentlessly campaigned for a new investigation and publicly challenged Barrymore and the other party guests. He passed away in 2021 without ever seeing a resolution to the case.
In March 2021, a 50-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of indecent assault and serious sexual assault in relation to the death of Stuart Lubbock but was later released without charge. This arrest came after "significant new information" was received by the police (Source: BBC News). However, despite this development, the case remains unresolved.
Likely Next Steps: Continued Investigation and Public Pressure
The investigation remains open, although no further arrests have been made since 2021. The police have stated they will continue to pursue any new leads that arise. The Crown Prosecution Service would need to review any new evidence and determine if there is sufficient grounds to bring charges against anyone involved.
The public's sustained interest, fueled by documentaries and social media, will likely continue to put pressure on the authorities to pursue all possible avenues of investigation. The case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of justice, the impact of media scrutiny, and the enduring pain of unresolved grief. The Lubbock family's pursuit of answers continues to resonate with those who believe that the truth about what happened that night has yet to be fully revealed.
