BBC pauses report publication after Met request
The BBC has paused the publication of its report into what the company knew concerning the alleged behaviour of former BBC Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood following a request from the Metropolitan Police.
In 2022, BBC Information broadcast accusations by 18 ladies of predatory and undesirable sexual behaviour and touching by Tim Westwood, in alleged incidents from 1992 to 2017.
Mr Westwood has denied claims of misconduct.
A Met police spokesperson mentioned: “Whereas session with the CPS is ongoing, we’ve got requested the BBC to pause the publication of their report to permit for additional time to think about any potential affect on the investigation.”
The BBC’s report, led by Gemma White KC, was commissioned by the BBC to look at Mr Westwood’s employment with the broadcaster.
The BBC confirmed police had requested it pause publishing this report, including it could proceed to correspond with authorities.
In a press release it mentioned it could present an additional replace when there was readability to take action.
“The BBC has at all times been clear that it intends to publish Gemma White KC’s report. We recognise that this pause to publication shall be disappointing – notably to those that got here ahead to take part within the assessment and to whom we’re very grateful.
“Nonetheless, we should proceed to make sure that any steps we take, together with in relation to publication of the report, don’t negatively affect any felony course of.”
It’s believed Mr Westwood has been interviewed below warning by the Metropolitan Police 4 occasions because the broadcast of the joint BBC Information and the Guardian investigation.
In a press release, police mentioned the offences are alleged to have occurred between 1982 and 2016.
Detectives mentioned they interviewed a person in his 60s man below warning final yr. There was no arrest.
The BBC’s assessment into Westwood’s employment with the BBC was initially anticipated to take round six months.
A freedom of data request by BBC Information earlier this yr revealed the BBC had spent greater than £3 million on the assessment to date.
Final month, the Met police confirmed it had made suggestions to the BBC that components of the report “could intrude with justice if revealed.”
The pressure had additionally confirmed it had submitted a file of proof to the Crown Prosecution Service however is continuous to make enquiries.
It known as the investigation “a posh and delicate matter” and their “absolute precedence is to keep up the integrity of our investigation and help and retain the arrogance of potential victims”.
Tim Westwood stood down from his Capital Xtra present in 2022.
The 67-year-old has continued to play in gigs up and down the nation, regardless of some campaigners calling for nightclubs to not host him because the allegations emerged.
He additionally usually performs gigs in West Africa.
