London, UK (October 2025) – Veteran BBC radio DJ Tim Westwood, 68, has been charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault spanning more than three decades, according to The Daily Beast. The charges follow years of allegations and an extensive investigation by the Metropolitan Police into the famed DJ’s alleged misconduct toward several women and teenage girls.
Longtime DJ Faces 15 Charges Across Decades
Westwood, once one of the most recognizable voices in British hip-hop, now faces 15 criminal charges involving seven different women. Authorities allege that the incidents occurred between 1983 and 2016, with four of the charges relating to rape and the remainder to sexual assault. The victims’ ages reportedly ranged from 17 to women in their 20s, highlighting a disturbing pattern of alleged abuse that persisted throughout Westwood’s lengthy career.
According to Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, “It takes courage to come forward and report allegations of this nature. The women who have done so have put their trust in us, and we continue to provide them with all available support.” The case is now moving forward to trial, with proceedings scheduled to begin at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on November 10.
BBC Investigation Found Widespread Misconduct
An independent BBC inquiry previously uncovered troubling patterns in Westwood’s behavior during his nearly 20-year tenure with the broadcaster. The report found that he often made sexualized remarks on-air, particularly about women’s bodies, and that internal complaints about his conduct were mishandled or ignored for years.
Westwood, who was once heralded as a key figure in bringing hip-hop to British radio, has also been accused of exploiting his position in the music industry to prey on younger women. The investigation found multiple women who described similar experiences of coercion and harassment tied to their attempts to break into the entertainment business.
A Fall from Grace for a Hip-Hop Pioneer
Known as the “voice of UK hip-hop,” Tim Westwood hosted several iconic BBC Radio 1 shows and later joined Capital XTRA, earning global recognition for his interviews with stars like Eminem, Jay-Z, and Nicki Minaj. However, his reputation began to crumble after 2022, when multiple women came forward in a joint BBC and The Guardian investigation alleging sexual misconduct.
Westwood has consistently denied all allegations, previously calling them “false and defamatory.” Despite his denials, the growing list of accusations led to his resignation from Capital XTRA and a significant blow to his public image.
Victims Demand Accountability
Advocates and victims’ rights groups have praised the courage of the women involved, noting that this case represents another crucial moment in the music industry’s reckoning with abuse and power dynamics. Several of Westwood’s alleged victims have spoken out anonymously, saying they hope his prosecution will encourage others to come forward.
One survivor told investigators that she was 17 years old when Westwood allegedly assaulted her. “He made me feel like I had to comply because he was famous. I want justice, not just for me but for the others,” she said.
What’s Next for Tim Westwood
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Westwood was formally charged in early October and released on bail pending trial. Legal experts predict that the case could stretch into mid-2026, given the volume of evidence and number of alleged victims involved.
Westwood’s legal team has declined to comment publicly on the charges, though sources close to the case suggest he intends to plead not guilty. If convicted, the former DJ could face decades in prison.
As the trial approaches, the case is likely to reignite debates around institutional accountability at major media organizations and the long history of sexual misconduct allegations in the entertainment industry.
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