BBC apologises over shamed DJ Tim Westwood and admits there were ‘missed opportunities’ amid ‘sex assaults’ probe
THE BBC has apologised over "missed opportunities" to tackle “bullying and misogynistic” behaviour by shamed DJ Tim Westwood.
The ex-Radio 1 DJ, 67, is currently facing a probe into allegations of historical sexual abuse from multiple women.
However, a report into his alleged inappropriate behaviour today concluded there were a "range of factors which ought to have alerted the BBC" and that Westwood may have presented a "risk to young women and girls".
The DJ, who stepped down from his show on Capital Xtra in April 2022, and left Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra in 2013 after nearly 20 years, “strongly denies all allegations of inappropriate behaviour”.
The Metropolitan Police previously said it was investigating accusations of offences alleged to have happened between 1982 and 2016.
In her findings, the report’s author Gemma White KC said: “I have not found there to be significant BBC knowledge of allegations or concerns about sexual misconduct on Tim Westwood’s part.
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“However, the overview from which I have benefited as a result of having conducted this review demonstrates the clear need for a robust mechanism for the assessment of the risks presented by the engagement of particular individuals.
“There were, in my view, a range of factors which ought to have alerted the BBC to the possibility that Tim Westwood might present a risk to young women and girls.”
The BBC Board said in response to the review: "It is worth noting, at the outset, that the report finds there was no widespread or significant BBC knowledge of allegations or concerns about predatory sexual behaviour by Mr Westwood.
“It is clear, however, that there were instances where the organisation missed opportunities that might have led to action.
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"Allegations were treated in isolation rather than being brought together.
"Had this happened, the BBC may have seen a pattern of behaviour that it could have acted on."
The BBC Board further admitted that there were "clear" times where the BBC "did not take adequate action" amid concerns regarding Westwood's behaviour.
It said there was evidence of "bullying and misogynistic behaviour" from Westwood and that his general conduct was "entirely incompatible with BBC values".
The board added: "The organisation fell short and failed people – including our own staff – who had a right to expect better from us.”
It further said it would “take this opportunity to apologise on behalf of the entire BBC to anyone impacted by what the review has found".
WESTWOOD CONTINUES TO DENY BEHAVIOUR 'AMOUNTED TO BULLYING OR HARASSMENT'
The board continued: "Your voice has been heard, and the findings of the review will further fuel the drive to ensure it does not happen again”.
The cost of the review is approximately £3.3 million, the BBC said.
Over the last couple of years, the BBC has taken action, including introducing a “new anti-bullying and harassment policy”, as well as a “dedicated ‘support at work’ team to address bullying and harassment cases”.
Westwood spent nearly two decades at the BBC, before departing Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra in 2013.
In the report, the barrister leading the review said Westwood declined to take part but his lawyers provided a statement.
It said he “strongly denies that his behaviour ever amounted to bullying or harassment”, and said some people “behaved poorly towards” him.
The statement said he “complained to the controller about this negative behaviour at the time and he was essentially advised to rise above it”.
The shamed DJ also said that his decision to move to a new time slot in 2009 was “political, and the production staff made it clear that they did not agree with it”.
“The environment felt competitive and hostile,” he said.
“It was toxic from the outset. Mr Westwood worked incredibly hard on the show and had high standards.
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“On certain occasions, he took issue with some of his colleagues’ poor attitude to work and low productivity, and expressed his opinion that they were lazy and out of touch with the audience.
“He accepts that this contributed to a divisive atmosphere within some of the teams with which he worked.”
