The clip above, an outtake available only online, features Siobhan O’Connor, longtime assistant to Buffalo Bishop Richard Malone, explaining why she decided to come forward—and how the diocese dealt with victims who called the local hotline. You can watch the full video here.
The transcript:
Until now, Siobhan O’Connor had carefully kept her identity secret.
Siobhan O’Connor: I had to rely on God even more than I ever have before.
She is the whistleblower who leaked records from the secret archive of the Diocese of Buffalo. Siobhan O’Connor worked closely with Bishop Richard Malone as his executive assistant for three years. Last week she spoke with the FBI.
Bill Whitaker: Some people would say that you betrayed Bishop Malone.
Siobhan O’Connor: I did betray him, and yet I can’t apologize for that, because there was a greater good to consider.
The hundreds of pages Siobhan O’Connor uncovered included personnel files and memos. They revealed that for years Bishop Malone allowed priests accused of sexual assault such as statutory rape and groping to stay on the job.
Siobhan O’Connor: I love my church, I love our diocese, and I– I loved him. I– I genuinely did as my bishop and as my boss.
Bill Whitaker: So why are you doing this?
Siobhan O’Connor: The reality of what I saw really left me with no other option. Because at the end of my life, I’m not going to answer to Bishop Malone. I’m going to answer to God.
Catch the whole story at the 60 Minutes website.