BBC launches independent review into DJ sexual misconduct claims

The BBC should have further explored issues raised about radio DJ Tim Westwood during his time at the broadcaster, an internal review into allegations of sexual misconduct has concluded.

The corporation has now appointed an independent barrister to lead a broader review to “fully examine” his conduct during the two decades he worked there.

It comes as police are believed to be investigating sexual assault allegations against Westwood going back four decades.

The DJ, who has not been named as a suspect by the Metropolitan Police, has previously been accused of a string of sexual assaults against women and has denied any wrongdoing.

In a statement, Scotland Yard said: “Detectives from the Met’s Central Specialist Crime continue to investigate four reports relating to allegations of non-recent sexual offences allegedly committed by a man. The offences are alleged to have occurred in London in 1982, 1985, 2010 and 2016. There have been no arrests, inquiries continue.”

The veteran DJ, who left the BBC in 2013, stepped down from his show on Capital Xtra in April following accusations by several women of misconduct and predatory behaviour. Westwood, 64, “strongly” denies any wrongdoing.

BBC board’s senior independent director, Sir Nicholas Serota, said: “In light of the issues identified by the internal review, I have asked, on behalf of the BBC board, that a broader review is now conducted and a full report is produced.”

The BBC has said it is willing to work with Westwood’s other employers, which include MTV and Capital Xtra owner Global, to fully establish what happened.

An MTV spokesperson said: “We take this matter very seriously. Whilst we are not aware of any complaints having been made to MTV at the time of the show or since, we are conducting an internal review.” Westwood’s representatives have been contacted for comment.

DJ Tim Westwood.