In a damning independent report, the BBC has come under intense scrutiny for its handling of serious allegations against former DJ Tim Westwood. Eighteen women accused Westwood of predatory and unwanted sexual behavior spanning from 1992 to 2017, a period during which he was a leading figure in the hip hop scene. Despite the gravity of these claims, the BBC board admitted it failed to take adequate action. The Metropolitan Police continues to investigate the allegations, with a full file of evidence currently under review by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
The BBC board commissioned Gemma White KC in 2022 to lead an investigation into what the organization knew about Westwood's conduct. Her report, published on Tuesday, cost approximately £3.3 million and involved contributions from over 120 individuals and examinations of thousands of records from the time. The findings revealed that the BBC had "inadequate record keeping and communication with people who raised complaints or concerns" and made "insufficiently rigorous attempts to address the substance of concerns raised."
"It is clear that in the past, the BBC has not only been too siloed but too deferential to high-profile individuals." – BBC board
The report outlined a considerable body of evidence that the BBC failed to investigate properly. The board acknowledged previous awareness of six complaints regarding bullying and sexual misconduct against Westwood. However, it admitted shortcomings in addressing these issues adequately.
"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." – BBC board
Westwood, through his solicitors, has consistently denied all allegations of criminal and other misconduct. He maintains that he has never had any sexual interest in children under the age of 16 and asserts that he has never acted in a predatory or sexual manner.
"He denies the allegations of criminal and other misconduct and 'confirms he has never had any sexual interest in children under the age of 16'." – DJ's solicitors
"He has never acted in a 'predatory and/or sexual manner' and 'did not (and does not) present any risk to young women, at the BBC nor elsewhere'." – DJ's solicitors
The Metropolitan Police confirmed ongoing investigations into a man over allegations of non-recent sexual offences in London in 1982, 1985, 2010, and 2016. A spokesperson stated that detectives continue to make enquiries with support from prosecutors.
"A full file of evidence remains with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for their consideration. Detectives from the Met continue to make enquiries, with support from prosecutors." – Metropolitan Police spokesperson
The BBC has publicly apologized to those affected by Westwood's alleged behavior. The board expressed regret over failing its staff and others who had a right to expect better conduct from the organization.
"The board also wants to take this opportunity to apologise on behalf of the entire BBC to anyone impacted by what the review has found," – BBC board
"The organisation fell short and failed people – including our own staff – who had a right to expect better from us," – BBC board
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy commented on the situation, describing the allegations against Westwood as "very serious" and emphasized that there have been "far too many instances of appalling behaviour in the media industry."
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