Bill Wyman, the former bass guitarist of the Rolling Stones, is the subject of a new biopic titled “The Quiet One,” which delves into his life and experiences.
However, the film has caused controversy due to its glossing over of Wyman’s alleged relationship with Mandy Smith, who was just 13 years old at the time.
While Wyman acknowledges that he made a mistake, he does not express any regret for his involvement with Smith.
In the documentary, Wyman mentions that his mistake was marrying Smith, rather than engaging in a relationship with her.
This admission is seen as a moment of self-reflection, but it fails to address the larger issue at hand.
Those close to Wyman describe him as an obsessive documentarian, meticulously cataloging every aspect of his life.
This trait has served him well, but it also raises questions about his motivations and actions.
The premiere of “The Quiet One” in New York saw Wyman’s third wife, Suzanne Accosta, in attendance, along with Jerry Hall, a former wife of a Rolling Stone.
Despite the potential awkwardness of the situation, no one openly addressed the controversy surrounding Wyman’s past.
This silence speaks volumes about the way society often allows powerful individuals to evade accountability.
Wyman’s obsession with documentation is highlighted in the film, showcasing his role as the archivist of the Rolling Stones.
He painstakingly indexed and cross-referenced pictures, tickets, posters, and letters during his time with the band.
His commitment to record-keeping extended to his personal diaries, which he later drew upon for his books.
However, the European premiere of the biopic was canceled amidst accusations that it was providing a platform for a “s**ual predator.”
The #MeToo movement has shed new light on the discomfort surrounding Wyman’s relationship with Smith, amplifying the criticisms against him.
While Wyman acknowledges his addiction to s** during his time as a Rolling Stone, he fails to address his involvement with a 13-year-old girl.
He claims that his relationship with Smith was from the heart and not driven by lust.
The documentary conveniently omits any mention of her age or the controversy surrounding their relationship.
Wyman and Smith married in 1989 when she turned 18, but their marriage quickly fell apart.
Smith’s book, “It’s All Over Now,” details her experiences and paints a picture of a young girl manipulated and exploited by an older man.
However, some who witnessed their relationship describe Smith as innocent and naive, rather than overtly s**ual.
The film fails to delve into the uncomfortable truth surrounding Wyman’s actions.
It perpetuates the narrative that Smith was just another girl in a long line of encounters for Wyman.
By airbrushing her out of his story, Wyman continues to avoid the censure he deserves.
In recent years, Wyman’s former friend Lesley-Ann Jones has questioned whether she and others were used as cover to enable his relationship with Smith.
She recalls instances where she was asked to appear on Wyman’s arm at events, only to be left alone while he joined Smith inside.
It becomes clear that Wyman went to great lengths to hide Smith’s age, even going so far as to have her travel under her sister’s passport.
Smith’s own diary provides a stark contrast to Wyman’s version of events.
Her book serves as a textbook example of how a young girl can be manipulated and made to feel complicit in abusive behavior.
Despite her experiences, Smith has worked to rebuild her life and now advocates for young girls to prioritize their careers and self-respect over relationships with men.
In conclusion, the new biopic about Bill Wyman’s life fails to address the controversial relationship he had with Mandy Smith.
The film’s omission of important details and the glossing over of uncomfortable truths perpetuates the narrative that powerful individuals can escape accountability for their actions.
As society becomes more aware of the impact of exploitation and abuse, it is crucial to confront these stories head-on and provide support for survivors.
