The independent review team examining the BBC’s response to concerns about DJ Tim Westwood’s conduct has opened a new phone line, saying it is keen to hear from Black women.
The BBC appointed Gemma White KC to oversee the review in August 2022 after an internal report into the allegations against the former Radio 1 DJ found that the corporation may have missed chances to explore concerns raised about his behaviour during his 19-year career there.
Jahnine Davis, one of the UK’s leading specialists in the safeguarding of Black children, was also appointed to help with the review.
The review team said it wanted to hear, in particular, from anyone with knowledge of allegations or concerns about Westwood’s sexual conduct and any BBC knowledge of those concerns.
The new phone line, which was opened to expand the ways in which people can come forward and participate in its call for evidence, will be live for four weeks, from Thursday 20 April 2023 until Friday 19 May 2023. A 24/7 answering system is in place to ensure individuals have every opportunity to share evidence.
The internal and independent reviews follow an investigation by the Guardian and BBC News in April 2022 in which seven women accused Westwood, 65, of sexual misconduct and predatory behaviour. He denied all the allegations, with a spokesperson saying they were “completely false” and there had never been any complaints against him “officially or unofficially”.
A further 10 women made claims of sexual abuse, sexual misconduct and inappropriate behaviour against Westwood in a further joint investigation in July. The report included a claim from a woman who said Westwood first had sex with her when she was 14 and he was in his 30s, in the early 1990s. Westwood did not respond when contacted about the allegations.
The independent review’s findings are expected to be presented to the BBC in late June or early July 2023.
Davis said: “I know many people in Black communities saw or heard about the Abuse of Power documentary which featured Black women who have accused/accuse Tim Westwood of sexual misconduct and predatory sexual behaviour. We believe there are people with relevant information who have yet to contribute to the review, which is why we are taking this additional step.
“We know that it’s not easy to come forward. We want to make certain those who want to do so can speak directly to someone who has experience and expertise of these sensitive matters and with whom they will feel comfortable. If you do have any information that you think we need to know, please do not hesitate to call me.”
White said: “As an independent review team we are examining the allegations which have been made about Tim Westwood’s conduct, and considering whether the BBC responded appropriately to them. Your contribution to the review could be an important part of the BBC understanding the way in which it has responded to allegations and concerns in the past and ensuring that it follows best practice in the future.
“I have been working with Jahnine to consider different ways for people to come forward. We believe that setting up a dedicated phone line which allows people who want to speak to Jahnine to contact her directly will make the review more widely accessible. I very much hope that anyone with information to share will call us.”
The review team said contributors could dial 08000 121 838 to connect directly with Davis or White and share their experiences confidentially, and anonymously if they wish.
