Former Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood, who has denied “all allegations of inappropriate behaviour”, stepped down from his Capital Xtra radio show after sexual misconduct claims
The BBC has apologised for “missed opportunities” to combat “bullying and misogynistic behaviour” by former Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood.
The hip-hop DJ was accused of sexual misconduct by seven women in 2022 in the BBC Three doc Tim Westwood: Abuse of Power. He has strongly denied “all allegations of inappropriate behaviour” and previously denied claims he’d had inappropriate relationships with young fans.
After the claims, he stepped down from Capital FM and has been investigated by the police, reportedly over three times, over alleged sexual offences. However, no charges have been made (at the time of writing).
The BBC Board has now issued an apology and admitted it “fell short” and “failed people” after it was found it had “missed opportunities that might have led to action”. This came in a review into what the BBC knew about concerns over Westwood’s conduct.
The report was conducted by barrister Gemma White KC to examine what was known about Westwood’s alleged conduct during his time at the broadcaster. It was commissioned in 2022 by the BBC Board and its publication has been delayed at various points, such as in December when it was paused at the request of the Metropolitan Police.
In a statement on Tuesday (February 25), the board said: “The board would like to thank Gemma White KC for her review. It is thorough, rigorous and comprehensive. We accept it in full. Over 120 individuals, most of whom were interviewed, contributed information to the review and thousands of records from the time were examined.
“We want to thank the individuals who have participated. The review has given voice to many individuals who otherwise might not have been heard. Following investigations by BBC News and the Guardian in 2022 concerning allegations made about former BBC DJ, Tim Westwood, the board decided to review how the BBC responded to issues raised about his conduct during his time at the BBC – from 1994 to 2013.
“The board commissioned an independent review because of the seriousness of the allegations raised, to ensure credibility and trust (particularly in light of the fact that many of the individuals whose allegations were reported in 2022 expressed the view that they did not come forward at the time because of fears that they would not be believed), and to ensure an examination of such a long period of time could be appropriately resourced.”
Referencing the ongoing police investiagtion into Westwood, it added: “There is today an ongoing police investigation into Mr Westwood and we do not know the full scope of the issues that investigation is considering. The police have seen the report, and should they request it, we will assist them in any way that we can. Mr Westwood has always strongly denied all allegations of inappropriate behaviour or wrongdoing.”
The BBC Board added: “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.
“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. Beyond assessing any alleged criminality, which is a matter for the police, it is clear there were times where the BBC, on learning about concerns regarding Mr Westwood’s behaviour, did not take adequate action.
“There is evidence of bullying and misogynistic behaviour on the part of Mr Westwood and the plain fact is that his general conduct was entirely incompatible with BBC values – not just now, but then. The organisation fell short and failed people – including our own staff – who had a right to expect better from us.”
The BBC Board said they “take this opportunity to apologise on behalf of the entire BBC to anyone impacted by what the review has found. Your voice has been heard, and the findings of the review will further fuel the drive to ensure it does not happen again”.
The cost of the review is approximately £3.3 million, the BBC said. Over the last couple of years, the BBC has taken action, including introducing a “new anti-bullying and harassment policy”, as well as a “dedicated ‘support at work’ team to address bullying and harassment cases”.
Westwood spent nearly two decades at the BBC before leaving Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra in 2013. In the report, the barrister leading the review said Westwood declined to take part but his lawyers provided a statement.
It said he “strongly denies that his behaviour ever amounted to bullying or harassment”, and said some people “behaved poorly towards” him. The statement alleged he “complained to the controller about this negative behaviour at the time and he was essentially advised to rise above it”.
Mr Westwood claims his decision to move to a new time slot in 2009 was “political, and the production staff made it clear that they did not agree with it”. A statement on his behalf said: “The environment felt competitive and hostile. It was toxic from the outset. Mr Westwood worked incredibly hard on the show and had high standards.
“On certain occasions, he took issue with some of his colleagues’ poor attitude to work and low productivity, and expressed his opinion that they were lazy and out of touch with the audience. He accepts that this contributed to a divisive atmosphere within some of the teams with which he worked.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
