BBC publishes assessment in Tim Westwood sexual misconduct accusations

The BBC has published the findings of a review in what the broadcaster knew about the behavior of his former Radio DJ Tim Westwood, which is accused of several counts of sexual misconduct.

According to the report, there was “no widespread or significant BBC knowledge of allegations or worries about predatory sexual behavior” by Westwood during his time at the BBC from 1994 to 2013. It discovered that “there were cases where the organization missed opportunities that would have led to action, “adding that” accusations were treated instead of bringing together “

The assessment also noted that there was “evidence of bullying and misogynistic behavior on the part of Mr Westwood and the clear fact is that his general behavior was completely incompatible with BBC values ​​- not only now, but then.” It said that there were times when the BBC, “about learning about worries” with regard to the behavior of Westwood, “did not take sufficient action”.

It added: “The organization fell short and failed people – including our own staff – who had the right to better expect from us.”

Accusations against Westwood, who presented shows on BBC Radio 1 and Radio 1xtra between 1994 and 2013, subsequently arose in 2022 A joint investigation conducted by the BBC and the Guardian. This brought the accounts to the light of seven black women who claimed sexual and sexual misconduct between 1992 and 2017. They could be seen in the BBC Three documentary, “Tim Westwood: MisBrei of Power”.

At the time, Westwood denied all the charges, but got off his show in the capital Xtra in the radio station.

In its report, the BBC noted that this was still an ongoing police investigation to Westwood.

“The police have seen the report and if they ask, we will help them in any way we can,” said it, adding that “Mr Westwood has always strongly denied all the accusations of inappropriate behavior or misconduct.”

In response to the assessment, Philippa Childs, Head UK Broadcasting Union Bectu, the findings “speaks all too clearly about the culture of extreme power dynamics and” inviolable “talent that continues to exist in the creative industry.”

She added: “This must now be a turning point for the BBC and for the wider industry, so that we are not in the same place next month or in a year.”