The historian, Macauley, famously said "We know no spectacle so ridiculous, as the British public in one of its periodical fits of morality."
I worry that 'ridiculous' no longer fits the bill, that it can be replaced by 'feral' -- Sa-vile he may be, but the enjoyment of the folks using him as a chew-toy is not attractive... A more solemn approach to this tragedy might be more appealing in the long run, and we'd all feel better after it has run its course!
As for Freddie - I know nothing of his relationships - I just know that he was, when I knew him, like a loaded gun - at his home you never got between him and the pool, or you would find yourself in it, fully dressed.