Former BBC Radio 1 and Capital Xtra DJ Tim Westwood has been charged with multiple sexual offences, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed.
The 68-year-old faces four counts of rape, nine counts of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault. The alleged offences involve seven women and are said to have occurred between 1983 and 2016.
Westwood is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 10 November.
According to police, the charges relate to the following alleged incidents:
1983 – A 17-year-old girl was allegedly indecently assaulted in the Fulham area of London.
1986 – A woman in her 20s was allegedly indecently assaulted in Vauxhall, London.
1995–1996 – A female aged 17–18 was allegedly raped and indecently assaulted in central London.
2000–2001 – Another female aged 17–18 was allegedly raped and indecently assaulted in London.
2010 – A woman in her 20s was allegedly raped in London.
2010 – A woman in her 20s was allegedly sexually assaulted in Stroud.
2016 – A woman in her 20s was allegedly sexually assaulted in Finchley, north London.
Lionel Idan, Chief Crown Prosecutor, said there was sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial and that it was in the public interest to do so. He also reminded the public that the case is active, and that Westwood is entitled to a fair trial, urging against any online discussion that could prejudice proceedings.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy of the Metropolitan Police praised those who had come forward and encouraged any further witnesses to contact investigators, noting that it “takes great courage” to report such allegations.
Tim Westwood is widely recognised as one of the pioneers of hip-hop broadcasting in the UK, having hosted the first nationally-aired rap show on British radio from 1994.
In 2022, a BBC News investigation featured 18 women who accused Westwood of unwanted sexual behaviour and touching between 1992 and 2017.
Westwood has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
