Tim Westwood interviewed by police for fourth time
Former radio DJ has been accused of sexual misconduct by at least 17 women
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 for a fourth time by police following sexual misconduct allegations, it was announced on Thursday (26 October).
In April last year, an investigation by The Guardian and BBC News saw seven women accuse Westwood of sexual misconduct and predatory behaviour. He denied all of the allegations, with his spokesperson saying they were “completely false”.
A further joint investigation in July found 10 more women make allegations of sexual abuse, sexual misconduct and inappropriate behaviour against Westwood. He has been accused of using his position to exploit women, many of whom are Black.
The 66-year-old former BBC Radio 1 DJ stepped down from his show on Capital Xtra after the first investigation was published.
The Metropolitan Police said officers are investigating accusations of offences alleged to have happened between 1982 and 2016.
The force did not name the radio presenter in their statement.
In a statement on Thursday, the force said: “Police are investigating a number of reports relating to allegations of non-recent sexual offences allegedly committed by a man.
“The offences are alleged to have occurred in London between 1982 and 2016.”
The statement said a man had been interviewed under caution four times between March 15 and October 25 this year, adding that no arrest had been made.
The BBC started an external inquiry in 2022 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.
He then joined the BBC and left Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra in 2013 after nearly 20 years.
Westwood hosted a regular Saturday show on Capital Xtra, where he was referred to as “The Big Dawg” before leaving the company last year.
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
A statement from a representative of Westwood, released in 2022, said: “Tim Westwood strongly denies all allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
“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.”
His representatives have been contacted for further comment.
If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, you can contact your nearest Rape Crisis organisation for specialist, independent and confidential support. For more information, visit their website here.
Additional reporting from the Press Association