Quote:
Originally Posted by Shasown
There is absolutely no evidence to assume he carried out any form of paedophiliac actions, he had a preference for young men.
If there was any evidence at the time it would have come out. In either the libel case he instigated against Douglas or in the trials for sodomy.
Yes he was homosexual yes he liked younger lovers. Whilst there is something distinctly unpleasant and unsavory about adult males (or females) in their 30's or 40's pursuing young people in their late teens or early 20's. Its not illegal nor is it paedophilia. Its called Ephebophilia or Hebephilia
Do you not think Douglas would have not only accused him of homosexuality but also procuring the sexual services of children if there was any sort of inkling of it?
Douglas, hated not only any form of homosexual behaviour but also Wilde in particular, after all this was the man who had seduced and corrupted his son.
Wilde and his legal team withdrew the libel case against Douglas when it was apparent not only would Douglas prove beyond doubt (by witnesses) that Wilde was homosexual but would have also listed his own son as a witness against Wilde. Thereby bringing Wildes beloved Bosie into shaeful standing.
Douglas in turn handed over all the evidence he had gathered to defend himself in the libel case to the Crown and forced a prosecution leading to Wildes two trials.
There was nor is any evidence to suggest Wilde had any form of sexual liaison with prepubescent males. Only assumptions.
|
Precisely. Well said. I also think - and I'm very much a Wilde fan so have read a number of biographies - that his attachments were very strongly emotional. He is also consistently portrayed as an almost curiously gentle man where friendships and relationships were concerned. Ascerbic, certainly, with the pen; but witty, soft and gentle according to all reputable sources. Flinging that word around is tantamount to baiting. It's a cheap reaction seeker.
At the moment, what concerns me is the memory lapse about Chris Brown punching Rihanna in the head. That seems to have become perfectly acceptable.