The BBC yesterday apologised after a review found it “did not take adequate action” upon learning about concerns regarding the behaviour of veteran DJ Tim Westwood. The 67-year-old former hip hop DJ previously said he "strongly denies all allegations of inappropriate behaviour" as he faces historical sexual abuse allegations from multiple women at the height of his career.
Westwood stepped down from his show on Capital Xtra in April 2022 and left Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra in 2013 after nearly 20 years. The BBC Board said in response to the review, carried out by barrister Gemma White KC,: “It is worth noting, at the outset, that the report finds there was no widespread or significant BBC knowledge of allegations or concerns about predatory sexual behaviour by Mr Westwood. It is clear, however, that there were instances where the organisation missed opportunities that might have led to action.".
What is Tim Westwood accused of and has he been charged?. In November it was confirmed that prosecutors are considering whether to bring charges against Westwood over allegations of historic sexual abuse. The Metropolitan Police submitted a "file of evidence" regarding allegations at the height of the veteran hip hop DJ’s career.
The former Radio 1 DJ 67, has vehemently denied all allegations of inappropriate behaviour and all accusations of wrongdoing. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, told the PA news agency last year: “A file of evidence has now been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and our team continues to make inquiries, with support from prosecutors. We will thoroughly and properly investigate sexual offences as part of our commitment to making London safer for women and girls.".
Westwood had been interviewed several times under caution by the force after sexual misconduct allegations prior to November's development. In a statement, the Metropolitan Police added: "Detectives from the Met Police continue to investigate a number of reports relating to allegations of non-recent sexual offences allegedly committed by a man.
"As part of the investigation, a man in his 60s has been interviewed by officers under caution on four separate occasions. The offences are alleged to have occurred in London between 1982 and 2016." The CPS decides which criminal cases that have been investigated by the police should be prosecuted.
A CPS spokesperson confirmed they had been contacted, saying in a statement: "We can confirm we received a file from the Metropolitan Police Service regarding allegations of non-recent sexual offences allegedly committed by a man in his 60s.". Where is Tim Westwood now?.
Following the Guardian and BBC News' joint investigation in April 2022, Westwood has kept a relatively low profile and not appeared on mainstream TV or radio. However, the same year, the former Pimp My Ride UK presenter made a splash at Notting Hill Carnival in August 2022.
He was spotted mingling with fellow DJs and snapping selfies with adoring female fans. Freelance journalist Ronnie Shillingford, 64, witnessed the scene, remarking: "I suddenly saw him, he was fist bumping all of the DJs behind the set about, about eight of them. He was having a little chat with them, all very jolly and friendly, they greeted him very warmly.".
Ronnie also observed the DJ "taking selfies" with three young women, who seemed to be in their early twenties, as he was leaving, noting that Tim was "very relaxed and accommodating" during the interactions and maintained a respectful distance. At the peak of his career, Westwood could command up to £10,000 per gig and has sold over two million copies of his compilation albums, amassing an estimated net worth of £10 million. More recently, Tim has been promoting nightclub appearances in Birmingham and various London venues on his social media platforms.
However, following allegations against him in April 2022, he stepped away from his regular Saturday slot on Capital Xtra, where he was affectionately known as "The Big Dawg". A representative for Westwood issued a firm denial, stating: 'Tim Westwood strongly denies all allegations of inappropriate behaviour. In a career that has spanned 40 years, there have never been any complaints made against him officially or unofficially. Tim Westwood strongly rejects all allegations of wrongdoing.".
What have the BBC said about the review into Tim Westwood's conduct?. The BBC Board said in response to the review: "It is worth noting, at the outset, that the report finds there was no widespread or significant BBC knowledge of allegations or concerns about predatory sexual behaviour by Westwood.
"It is clear, however, that there were instances where the organisation missed opportunities that might have led to action. Allegations were treated in isolation rather than being brought together. Had this happened, the BBC may have seen a pattern of behaviour that it could have acted on.".
The board also said the BBC “did not take adequate action” and added that there was “evidence of bullying and misogynistic behaviour on the part of Mr Westwood” who displayed conduct “entirely incompatible with BBC values – not just now, but then.
