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Tim Westwood investigators have received a “significant amount” of new information
By Andy Malt | Published on Tuesday 16 May 2023
A dedicated phoneline via which people can provide information to a review of what the BBC knew about the conduct of former presenter Tim Westwood is to close this Friday. Investigators say that they have received “a significant amount of important new information” since it opened last month.
The BBC instigated its review – led by independent investigators Gemma White and Jahnine Davis – 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.
It was always the intention for the phoneline to be open for just four weeks, so it is closing on the date originally planned. Davis and White are still encouraging anyone with information to come forward before the 19 May cut-off.
“We would like to thank everyone who has contacted us via the review phoneline”, says White. “We know that taking the decision to call was not easy for many of you and that speaking to us has taken courage. Your evidence will assist me in my task of independently establishing whether the BBC knew of concerns and responded appropriately to them. If you have been thinking of contributing but have not been sure about whether to do so, please do get in touch now”.
Anyone still wishing to contribute can call 08000 121 838 between now and Friday. It is also possible to submit evidence by emailing GWKCBBCReview@blackstonechambers.com or by mail addressed to Gemma White KC BBC Review, Linklaters LLP, One Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8HQ.
It also emerged last month that police are investigating five accusations of misconduct that have been made against Westwood, and that the DJ has now been formally questioned by police officers twice. In the past, Westwood has denied all the allegations that have been made against him.
