BBC warned by Metropolitan Police over report

The Metropolitan Police has warned the BBC that elements of a report about Tim Westwood’s alleged misconduct might “interfere with justice” if printed.

The exterior assessment is to look at the BBC’s information of, and response to, complaints, allegations and issues about misconduct by the previous Radio 1 and 1Xtra DJ.

Mr Westwood has denied claims of misconduct, commenting: “It’s all false allegations.”

The BBC declined to remark. In July, a spokesperson for the company mentioned it was liaising with police to make sure that any steps taken – together with publishing the report – don’t have a “negative impact” on any ongoing police investigation.

“This is taking time,” it added.

Several ladies have accused the presenter of predatory and undesirable sexual behaviour and touching, in alleged incidents between 1992 and 2017, after a joint investigation by the BBC and the Guardian.

In August 2022, a assessment, led by Gemma White KC, was commissioned by the BBC to look at the close to 20-year employment of Mr Westwood with the broadcaster.

It was initially believed the assessment would take round six months however a report is but to be printed.

In a brand new assertion to BBC News, a Met Police officer mentioned: “We have seen the report and made suggestions to the BBC as to which sections of the report might intrude with justice if printed.”

BBC News understands the report is now due to be published within the next month.

In June, the BBC said: “This is an especially necessary ongoing course of, led by an impartial reviewer.

“As we have said from the beginning, it is essential we fully understand what was known about concerns regarding Tim Westwood’s conduct during his time with the BBC and this remains the priority.”

A freedom of data request by BBC News earlier this yr revealed that the BBC has spent greater than £3 million on the assessment to date.

It is believed Mr Westwood has been interviewed below warning by the Metropolitan Police 4 instances for the reason that broadcast of the joint BBC News and Guardian investigation.

In an announcement, police mentioned the offences are alleged to have occurred between 1982 and 2016.

Detectives mentioned they interviewed a 66-year-old man below warning final yr. There has been no arrest.

The ladies additionally accused Mr Westwood of abusing his place within the music trade. Some of them mentioned they encountered Mr Westwood once they have been below 18. One mentioned she was solely 14 when he first had intercourse together with her.

In a video that appeared on social media final yr, the DJ was requested whether or not the allegations have been true.

He replied: “It’s all false allegations. It’s all false allegations.

“I’ve by no means carried out that, interval. They’re all false allegations. I’ll show that as quickly as I get my alternative and belief me, I’m prepared.”

In April 2022, Mr Westwood stepped down from his Capital Xtra show.

The 66-year-old has continued to play in gigs up and down the country, despite some campaigners calling for nightclubs not to host him since the allegations emerged.

The Mail Online reported that he had moved to Lagos, Nigeria, for the primary half of this yr.