The BBC has issued an apology after an internal review highlighted missed opportunities to take action regarding complaints against former DJ Tim Westwood. The £3.3 million report, conducted by barrister Gemma White KC, examined how reports and complaints about Westwood’s alleged misconduct were handled during his tenure at the BBC.
In a detailed response, the BBC Board acknowledged that it “did not take adequate action” when concerns about Westwood’s behavior were raised. Westwood, 67, who has strongly denied all allegations of inappropriate behavior, left BBC Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra in 2013 after nearly two decades with the broadcaster. The publication of the report had been delayed at the request of the Metropolitan Police, who continue to investigate claims against the DJ.
The review revealed that over 120 individuals contributed to the investigation, with thousands of BBC records examined. Despite Westwood declining to participate, his legal team provided a statement denying any wrongdoing and asserting that he had also been subjected to negative treatment within the BBC.
In its response, the BBC Board stated: “We accept the review in full. It is thorough, rigorous, and comprehensive. The Board commissioned this independent review due to the seriousness of the allegations raised, to ensure credibility and trust, and to examine a long period of time appropriately.”
The Board acknowledged that past complaints about Westwood’s behavior were treated in isolation, preventing the organization from recognizing a pattern of misconduct. “Had this happened, the BBC may have seen a pattern of behavior that it could have acted on,” the response noted, reported The Mirror.
Furthermore, the report found evidence of bullying and misogynistic behavior by Westwood, stating, “His general conduct was entirely incompatible with BBC values—not just now, but then. The organization fell short and failed people, including our own staff, who had a right to expect better.”
The BBC Board has tasked its Executive with reviewing existing policies and practices to ensure such failures are not repeated. Additionally, the findings will be incorporated into the ongoing “Respect at Work – Abuse of Power” review.
The Board concluded with a formal apology: “We want to take this opportunity to apologize on behalf of the entire BBC to anyone impacted by what the review has found. Your voice has been heard, and the findings of the review will further fuel the drive to ensure it does not happen again.”
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