Tim Westwood: Former Radio 1 DJ interviewed under caution by police on sexual misconduct claims
DJ has previously ‘strongly denied’ any allegations of misconduct
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tim Westwood has been interviewed twice under police caution after allegations of sexual misconduct.
Last year, the DJ was accused of predatory and unwanted sexual behaviour and touching by multiple women.
In a joint investigation by the BBC and The Guardian, seven women – all of whom are Black – spoke about the alleged incidents, which are said to have taken place between 1992 and 2017.
Westwood strenuously denied the allegations at the time, with a spokesperson alleging that the claims were completely false.
On Wednesday (12 April), the Metropolitan Police said officers were investigating five accusations of offences alleged to have happened between 1982 and 2016.
“Police are investigating five reports relating to allegations of non-recent sexual offences allegedly committed by a man,” their statement read.
“The offences are alleged to have occurred in London between 1982 and 2016. A 65-year-old man was interviewed under caution on March 15 2023 and April 4 2023.”
In the original investigation last year, as well as the corresponding BBC Three documentary Tim Westwood: Abuse of Power, a number of the accusers claimed the presenter used his position in the music industry to exploit women.
In August, the BBC launched an ongoing external inquiry into what was known about Westwood’s conduct during his time at the corporation.
Westwood began his career on local radio before joining Capital Radio in London, and was later given his own show by BBC Radio 1.
He left Radio 1 and 1Xtra in 2013 after nearly 20 years and returned to Capital Xtra to host a regular show on Saturday nights, where he was referred to as “The Big Dawg”. He stepped down from his show on Capital Xtra in April last year.
Westwood has always “strongly denied” the allegations against him, with his representative saying last year: “In a career that has spanned 40 years, there have never been any complaints made against him officially or unofficially. Tim Westwood strongly rejects all allegations of wrongdoing.”
The Independent has contacted Westwood’s representatives for further comment.
Additional reporting by Press Association