Prosecutors to consider bringing charges against Tim Westwood

Prosecutors are set to consider charges against former BBC Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood after detectives investigating allegations of non-recent sexual abuse submitted a file of evidence. The investigation follows a joint report by BBC News and The Guardian in 2022, where several women came forward with accusations of predatory sexual behaviour and unwanted touching.

The allegations, which span from 1992 to 2017, occurred during Westwood’s rise to fame as one of the UK’s top hip-hop DJs. Women involved in the investigation claimed that Westwood, now 66, abused his position in the music industry to exploit them. The former DJ has denied the allegations, maintaining that they are false.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation, confirmed that the police are continuing their inquiries and providing specialist support to the women who have come forward. “A file of evidence has now been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), and our team continues to work with prosecutors. We are committed to thoroughly investigating sexual offences and improving safety for women and girls in London,” Furphy said.

The CPS is responsible for deciding whether charges should be brought based on the evidence provided by the police. A CPS spokesperson confirmed they had received a file concerning the alleged sexual offences, which are said to have occurred between 1982 and 2016, primarily in London.

The police have stated that Westwood, who is in his 60s, has been interviewed under caution on four separate occasions. The investigation is not currently being assisted by the Hydrant Programme, a national police initiative focused on cases of historical sexual abuse involving high-profile individuals. Despite this, the police emphasized that the case remains complex, and they are prioritizing the integrity of the investigation while protecting the identities of the victims.

The women who came forward in 2022 all identified as Black and claimed they had met Westwood through his professional work in the music industry. Their testimonies were integral to the investigation, which led to heightened scrutiny of Westwood’s behaviour during his time in the spotlight.

Westwood’s tenure at the BBC was under review following the allegations, with the BBC commissioning an external review led by Gemma White KC in August 2022. The review, which examines the broadcaster’s response to several previous complaints against Westwood, was expected to take about six months but has not yet been published. This delay has raised concerns, especially after the BBC spent over £3 million on the review, according to a freedom of information request made by BBC News.

The review aims to understand what the BBC knew about Westwood’s alleged misconduct during his nearly 20-year career with the broadcaster. Westwood has denied all accusations, calling them “false allegations.” However, the broadcaster has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, especially since six separate complaints of bullying and sexual misconduct were made against him over the years.

Westwood, known for his influence in the UK hip-hop scene, began his career as the host of the Rap Show on BBC Radio 1 before moving to a drivetime show on 1Xtra. In 2013, he joined Capital Xtra after the station rebranded from Choice FM. He also hosted the UK version of Pimp My Ride in 2005, further cementing his place as a significant figure in British entertainment.

In April 2022, following the initial wave of allegations, Westwood stepped down from his Capital Xtra show, marking a dramatic end to his career in broadcasting.

This investigation is ongoing, and with the involvement of the CPS, it is now in the hands of prosecutors to decide whether criminal charges will be filed. The outcome of the case will have significant implications for both Westwood’s legacy and the broader conversation about accountability within the entertainment industry, particularly in relation to allegations of abuse by individuals in positions of power.

As the legal process unfolds, the investigation into Tim Westwood continues to shine a spotlight on the importance of addressing historical abuse claims and ensuring that survivors are supported in their pursuit of justice.