Former BBC Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood has been charged with 15 sexual offences involving seven women over a period of more than 30 years, the Metropolitan Police confirmed on Thursday.
The 68-year-old broadcaster faces four counts of rape, nine counts of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault relating to alleged incidents between 1983 and 2016. He is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on November 10.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial and doing so is in the public interest. The alleged offences reportedly took place in London and Stroud, Gloucestershire, and involve women aged between 17 and their twenties at the time.
The earliest charge dates back to 1983, when Westwood allegedly indecently assaulted a 17-year-old girl in Fulham, London. Other charges include alleged sexual assaults and rapes between 1995 and 2010, with one of the most recent incidents said to have occurred in Finchley, London, in 2016.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy praised the courage of the women who came forward, saying, “The women who have done so have put their trust in us, and we continue to provide them with all available support.” Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact investigators at CIT@met.police.uk.
Lionel Idan, Chief Crown Prosecutor, emphasized that Westwood is entitled to a fair trial, noting, “The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial.”
These charges follow a 2022 investigation by The Guardian and the BBC, which uncovered multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against Westwood. The revelations were featured in the BBC Three documentary “Abuse of Power,”in which six women shared stories describing the DJ’s alleged predatory behavior.
Following the public allegations, Westwood stepped down from his show on Capital Xtra in April 2022. A later BBC review found that the broadcaster “did not take adequate action” in response to earlier concerns about Westwood’s behavior, sparking widespread criticism of institutional failures.
Westwood, who became a household name through his work with BBC Radio 1 and MTV’s Pimp My Ride UK, has long been considered one of the UK’s most influential hip hop DJs. Throughout his career, he collaborated with major American and British hip hop artists and played a key role in promoting the genre in the UK.
Westwood has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct. His representatives have not yet issued a statement regarding the new charges.
The case has reignited debate over abuse of power in the entertainment industry and the responsibility of institutions to protect individuals from exploitation. As proceedings are now active, public discussion of the details will be limited to avoid prejudicing the trial.
Westwood’s court appearance next month will be his first in connection with the charges, marking the beginning of what is expected to be a high-profile legal battle.
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