Christine Keeler - A sombre end

Those of a certain age may recall the name of Christine Keeler, the former model at the centre of the Profumo affair that shook British politics in the 1960s, who has died.

Her life was determined by something she engaged in when she was only 19. She was a stunningly beautiful young showgirl who was used and abused by powerful men including John Profumo, Britain’s secretary of state for war, and the Russian naval attaché, and spy, Yevgeni Ivanov.

Profumo was the Harvey Weinstein of his day — a married man who thought nothing of using his power and influence to seduce vulnerable young women.

Others in similarly powerful positions used Keeler for their own gratification and then unceremoniously dumped her.

Just like the victims of Weinstein, Keeler blamed herself. But, unlike them, she never had the opportunity to confront her abusers. Indeed, Keeler was shamed and blamed for decades and it was she — rather then any of her abusers — who ended up destitute and a recluse, living in a council flat in south London until her death.