DJ and former BBC Radio 1 presenter Tim Westwood charged with four counts of rape
Once a prominent voice in UK hip-hop, Westwood now faces the echoing fallout of decades-old allegations.
Disclaimer: This document contains reference to acts of sexual violence.
Former BBC Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood has been charged with multiple sexual offenses, including four counts of rape, the Metropolitan Police confirmed on Oct. 9. The Crown Prosecution Service stresses Westwood (now 68) is charged with specific incidents in Fulham, Vauxhall, central London and beyond, including assaults on a 17‑year‑old in 1983.
The charges, lodged by seven women, also include nine counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault. The alleged offenses took place between 1983 and 2016. Westwood is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Nov. 11.
Allegations concerning Westwood’s conduct during his 19-year career at the BBC were first investigated by the BBC and The Guardian in 2022. Last year, the Crown Prosecution Service announced it was considering charges after the Met Police submitted a “file of evidence.”
“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,” said Chief Crown Prosecutor Lionel Idan.
The Metropolitan Police stated that the investigation remains open and urged anyone with information to contact them, assuring that reports “will be dealt with the strictest confidence by specialist officers.”
Met Police Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy acknowledged the bravery of the women who came forward. “It takes courage to come forward and report allegations of this nature,” Furphy said. “The women who have done so have put their trust in us and we continue to provide them with all available support.”
Police encourage anyone impacted by the case to come forward. Support is available through the independent charity Rape Crisis via its 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line.
Featured image credit: Lorne Thomson/Redferns/Getty Images
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Ashley Palya
I've been writing, covering events, and doing interviews with Exron for nearly four years, but have been an EDM-lover for over a decade. The music community and industry has a special place in my heart and I love exploring the depths. EDC Las Vegas is my favorite festival and this year will be my sixth time attending. Some other recent festivals I've been are Ultra, Elements, Lost Lands, Electric Forest, and Arc. I've been getting more into experimental bass, but techno and house will always have my heart. <3
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