Tim Westwood, the former BBC Radio 1 and Capital Xtra DJ, has been charged by the Metropolitan Police with a series of serious sexual offences spanning more than three decades. The 68-year-old, who became a household name as a pioneering hip-hop broadcaster in the UK, now faces four counts of rape, nine counts of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault. According to the police, the charges relate to seven women, with alleged incidents occurring between 1983 and 2016 in various locations, including London and Stroud, Gloucestershire.
The earliest of the allegations dates back to 1983, when Westwood is accused of indecently assaulting a 17-year-old girl in the Fulham area of London. The next reported incident occurred in 1986, involving a woman in her 20s in Vauxhall, London. Between 1995 and 1996, a female aged 17-18 was allegedly raped and indecently assaulted in London. Another set of charges covers the period between 2000 and 2001, when a woman aged 17-18 was allegedly raped and indecently assaulted, again in London. In 2010, Westwood is accused of raping a woman in her 20s in London and sexually assaulting another woman in Stroud. The most recent charge concerns an alleged sexual assault on a woman in her 20s in Finchley, London, in 2016.
Westwood is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on November 10, 2025, to answer these charges. As the news broke, the Metropolitan Police emphasized that their investigation is ongoing and encouraged anyone with relevant information to come forward. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation, stated, “It takes courage to come forward and report allegations of this nature. The women who have done so have put their trust in us and we continue to provide them with all available support. Our investigation remains open and we’d encourage anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone with information, to come forward and speak with us.”
Westwood’s career in broadcasting began in the 1980s with local radio, before he joined Capital Radio in the late 1980s. His move to the BBC in 1994 marked a turning point, as he hosted the first nationally-broadcast rap show on UK radio, helping to bring hip-hop and urban music into the mainstream. Westwood spent nearly 20 years at the BBC, presenting on Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra until his departure in 2013. He then moved to Capital Xtra, where he continued to host a regular show until 2022. Outside of radio, Westwood was also known for his work as a TV presenter, including on MTV's UK edition of Pimp My Ride.
Allegations against Westwood first gained widespread public attention in 2022, following a joint investigation by the BBC and The Guardian. That investigation brought to light accounts from 18 women who accused Westwood of predatory and unwanted sexual behaviour, including sexual touching and misconduct, in incidents said to have occurred between 1992 and 2017. Seven Black women featured in the BBC Three documentary Tim Westwood: Abuse of Power, sharing their experiences and prompting further scrutiny of Westwood’s conduct.
Westwood has consistently denied all allegations of misconduct. When the first accusations surfaced in 2022, his representative issued a statement saying he “strongly rejects all allegations of wrongdoing.” As the criminal proceedings move forward, Westwood maintains his innocence.
The legal process has been underscored by reminders from authorities about the importance of a fair trial. Chief Crown Prosecutor Lionel Idan commented, “Our prosecutors have established that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings. The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Earlier this year, the BBC published the findings of an independent review into what the corporation knew about Westwood’s conduct during his tenure. According to the report, there was “no widespread or significant BBC knowledge of allegations or concerns about predatory sexual behaviour” by Westwood while he was at the BBC from 1994 to 2013. However, the review—overseen by Gemma White KC—noted that there were missed opportunities to take action. Allegations, it found, were “treated in isolation rather than being brought together,” which meant that a potential pattern of behaviour was not identified at the time. The BBC board acknowledged these shortcomings and apologized for not acting sooner, describing Westwood’s conduct as “entirely incompatible with BBC values.” The report also highlighted that Westwood often made sexualized remarks on his shows, including comments about women’s breasts.
Westwood’s influence on the UK music scene is undeniable. He was an early champion of hip-hop, giving a platform to emerging artists and genres that had previously struggled for mainstream recognition. His shows were known for their energy and for breaking new ground in British radio. Awards from Sony Radio and the MOBOs recognized his contributions. Yet, as these allegations have come to light, the legacy of that career is now shadowed by serious questions about his behaviour off-air.
For the women at the heart of this case, the decision to come forward has not been easy. Detective Superintendent Furphy reiterated the support available to those affected, not only from the police but also through independent charities such as Rape Crisis and The Survivors Trust. “A dedicated team of investigators is available… Any reports will be dealt with in the strictest confidence by specialist officers. Support is also available by contacting the independent charity, Rape Crisis at 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line,” he said, emphasizing the confidential nature of the process.
As the case proceeds, it stands as a stark reminder of the importance of listening to survivors, the complexities of institutional response, and the ongoing work required to ensure accountability in high-profile industries. The investigation remains active, and police continue to appeal for further witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. The eyes of the public, the music industry, and broadcasting are now firmly fixed on the forthcoming court proceedings, which promise to be both high-profile and closely scrutinized.
With the court date approaching and the investigation ongoing, all parties involved await the next chapter in a story that has already had a profound impact on British broadcasting and the broader conversation around sexual misconduct in the public sphere.
