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BBC opens phone line as part of Tim Westwood investigation
By Chris Cooke | Published on Friday 21 April 2023
A phone line has been set up as part of the BBC’s ongoing investigation into the allegations of sexual abuse that have been made against DJ Tim Westwood. Anyone with any information about alleged bad conduct on Westwood’s part – or the BBC’s knowledge of that bad conduct – is encouraged to get in touch.
The BBC instigated that investigation after a media exposé last year in which a number of women made allegations of sexual misconduct against Westwood. Some of those women said that, after they agreed to meet with the DJ to discuss their careers in music, he had pressured them into sex. Others claimed that he had groped them as they posed for photographs at events.
Many of the alleged incidents took place between 1994 and 2013 when Westwood worked for the BBC, which is why the broadcaster began an independent review to look into the allegations, and also the extent to which BBC management were aware that Westwood had been accused of sexual abuse while he was still working for the Corporation’s radio stations.
The new telephone line will be in operation 24/7 for four weeks. People who call with any information will be put in contact with either Gemma White or Jahnine Davis, who are together leading the investigation.
Davis says: “We know that it’s not easy to come forward. We want to make certain those who want to do so can speak directly to someone who has experience and expertise of these sensitive matters”.
The phone line is 08000 121 838 or people can alternatively send an email. All evidence given will be confidential and can be anonymous.
It recently emerged that police are also investigating five accusations of misconduct that have been made against Westwood, and that the DJ has been formally questioned by police officers twice in recent weeks. In the past, Westwood has denied all the allegations that have been made against him.
