I don't see what all the fuss is about. Rolf Harris and the Jimmy Savile nonsense was years ago, but people are allowed to freely discuss if they want to.
Yes, if an award was between an 18 year old in a plastic fantastic, whom has been open and honest with his endeavours OR a 'connected' Walter Mitty whom has been rather economical with the facts, the award would have to go with the former IMHO.
That said, I think others are more deserving, like the recent Russian balloon pilot.