Getty ImagesThe Metropolitan Police has warned the BBC that parts of a report into Tim Westwood’s alleged misconduct could “obstruct the course of justice” if published.
The external review seeks to examine the BBC’s knowledge of and response to complaints, allegations and concerns about misconduct by the former Radio 1 and 1Xtra DJ.
Mr Westwood denied the allegations of misconduct, commenting: “These are false accusations.”
The BBC declined to comment. In July, a spokesman for the company said it was liaising with police to ensure that any steps taken, including the release of reports, would not have a “negative impact” on ongoing police investigations.
“This will take time,” it added.
Following a joint investigation by the BBC and The Guardian, several women accused the presenter of predatory and unwanted sexual behavior and touching over alleged incidents that took place between 1992 and 2017.
In August 2022, a review led by Gemma White KC, Commissioned by the BBC Investigate Mr Westwood’s nearly 20 years of experience in broadcasting.
It was initially thought the review would take around six months, but the report has not yet been released.
In a new statement to BBC News, a Metropolitan Police officer said: “We have seen the report and have made recommendations to the BBC to identify parts of the report that might interfere with the course of justice if published. .
BBC News understands the report will be published within the next month.
In June, the BBC said: “This is a vitally important ongoing process, led by an independent reviewer.
“As we have said from the outset, it remains a priority that we fully understand the concerns raised about Tim Westwood’s conduct during his tenure at the BBC.”
Freedom of Information Request BBC News revealed earlier this year that the BBC had spent more than £3 million on censorship so far.
Mr Westwood is believed to have been interviewed discreetly by the Metropolitan Police four times since the BBC News/Guardian investigation aired.
The crimes are alleged to have occurred between 1982 and 2016, police said in a statement.
Detectives said they interviewed a 66-year-old man under caution last year. No arrests have been made.
“False accusations”
The women also accused Westwood of abusing his position in the music industry. Some of them said they met Mr Westwood when they were under 18 years old.
In a video that surfaced on social media last year, the DJ was asked if the accusations were true.
He responded: “These are all false accusations. These are all false accusations.
“I have never done this. These are false accusations. I will prove that once I get the opportunity and trust me, I will be ready.”
In April 2022, Mr Westwood quit the Capital Xtra show.
The 66-year-old continues to perform across the country, despite calls from some campaigners for nightclubs not to host him since the allegations emerged.
According to Mail Online, he moved to Lagos, Nigeria, in the first half of this year.
