​BBC announces delay in publishing Tim Westwood inquiry findings amid ongoing police probe

Content Warning: This article includes accounts of sexual assault and may be distressing for some readers. Resources for support are listed at the end of this article.

The BBC’s inquiry into sexual misconduct allegations against former Radio 1 presenter Tim Westwood has been delayed from publishing amidst an ongoing police investigation.

In an update published by the BBC on Monday, July 22, the report has been completed, but there are now “important steps which need to be taken before the BBC is in a position to publish”.

The report, led by barrister Gemma White KC, looks into Tim Westwood’s conduct during his time at the BBC in light of sexual misconduct allegations, which Westwood “strongly” denies.

White KC was first appointed to take the lead on the inquiry in August 2022, expecting to have a completed report in just six months. The BBC now hopes to publish the inquiry in autumn 2024.

“The BBC is now at the stage of going through certain important legal processes before it is in a position to publish the findings,” reads the update published yesterday.

It adds: “This includes liaising with the relevant authorities under an agreed process to make sure none of the work being carried out (including publishing the report) would have a negative impact on any ongoing police investigation.”

In June, BBC News reported that the BBC had spent more than £3.1 million on the investigation so far per a freedom of information request.

The 65-year-old DJ and former Radio 1 presenter was first accused of sexual misconduct - which included predatory behaviour and unwanted touching - in incidents that took place between 1992 and 2017.

Allegations also cited Westwood abusing his power in the music industry, while another woman claimed that she was just 14 when Westwood first had sex with her.

Westwood has “strongly denied” the claims of misconduct against him, saying: “It's all false allegations”. A police investigation is currently ongoing.

Read the BBC's update here.

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Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter