Tim Westwood: BBC inquiry into DJ behavior opens 24/7 phone line
The independent verification team has set up a new 24-hour telephone line investigating the BBC’s response to concerns about DJ Tim Westwood’s behaviour.
The team, which is overseen by Gemma White KC, have said they are keen to hear from black women.
White was appointed in August 2022 after an internal BBC report on allegations of sexual misconduct against the former Radio 1 DJ found that concerns raised about his behavior during his two-decade BBC career may not have been addressed by the company duly examined.
The new phone line will be active for four weeks from Thursday April 20th to Friday May 19th. The line will be operational 24/7 to ensure people can provide evidence of either Westwood’s conduct or the BBC’s response.
In April last year conducted an investigation The guard and BBC News saw seven women accuse Westwood, 65, of sexual misconduct and predatory behavior. He denied all allegations, his spokesman said they were “completely false”.
Another joint investigation in July found that 10 other women made allegations of sexual abuse, sexual misconduct and improper conduct against Westwood. He has been accused of using his position to exploit women, many of whom are black.
The results of the independent review are expected in June or July this year.
Jahnine Davis, an independent security researcher who is also leading the independent review, said: “I know a lot of people in black communities have seen this or heard about it abuse of power Documentary featuring black women who accused/accused Tim Westwood of sexual misconduct and predatory sexual behavior.
“We believe there are people with relevant information who have yet to contribute to the review, which is why we are taking this extra step.
“We know it’s not easy to get ahead. We want to ensure that those who wish to do this can speak directly to someone who has experience and expertise in these sensitive matters and who they feel comfortable with.
“If you have any information that you feel we need to know, please do not hesitate to call me.”
(PA Archive)
The review team can be reached on 08000 121 838, where callers can share their experiences confidentially and anonymously. Callers are connected directly to White or Davis. See the end of this document for more phone line details.
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Westwood joined Capital Xtra in 2013 after leaving the BBC. He resigned from his show on the network “until further notice” last April after the allegations against him were made public.
It emerged last week that he had been questioned by police under caution over allegations of sexual misconduct.
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