The BBC has issued an apology following Tim Westwood sexual abuse claims (Image: BBC )
The has apologised for not looking into claims made against Radio1 DJ Time Westwood sooner.
The former Radio 1 DJ, 67, is currently facing an investigation into allegations of historical sexual abuse from multiple women.
However, a report into his alleged inappropriate behaviour concluded that there were a “range of factors which ought to have alerted the ” and that Westwood may have presented a “risk to young women and girls”.
The DJ, and left Radio 1 and 1Xtra in 2013 after almost 20 years, “strongly denies all allegations of inappropriate behaviour”. The Metropolitan Police previously said it was investigating accusations of offences alleged to have occured between 1982 and 2016.
On Tuesday (February 25), the flagship channel published findings of a review conducted by Gemma White KC into what the knew about the star’s reported conduct during his time at the company.
:
The DJ has “strongly denied” all allegations (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
In her report, she revealed: “I have not found therre to be significant knowledge of allegations or concerns about sexual misconduct on Tim Westwood’s part.
“However, the overview from which I have benefited as a result of having conducted this review demonstrates the clear need for a robust mechanism for the assessment of the risks presented by the engagement of particular individuals.
“There were, in my view, a range of factors which ought to have alerted the to the possibility that Tim Westwood might present a risk to young women and girls.”
In response to the latest review, the Board said in a statement: “The Board would like to thank Gemma White KC for her review. It is thorough, rigorous and comprehensive.
“We accept it in full. Over 120 individuals, most of whom were interviewed, contributed information to the review and thousands of records from the time were examined. We want to thank the individuals who have participated.
Don’t miss… [REVEALED] [EXPLAINED]
The 67-year-old is facing an investigation into allegations of historical sexual abuse from multiple women (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
“The review has given voice to many individuals who otherwise might not have been heard. There is today an ongoing police investigation into Mr Westwood and we do not know the full scope of the issues that investgation is considering”.
They added: “The police have seen the report, and should they request it, we will assist them in any way that we can. Mr Westwood has always strongly denied all allegations of inappropriate behaviour or wrongdoing.
“It is worth noting, at the outset, that the report finds there was no widespread or significant knowledge of allegations or concerns about predatory sexual behaviour by Mr Westwood.
“It is clear, however, that there were instances where the organisation missed opportunities that might have led to action. Allegations were treated in isolation rather than being brought together. Had this happened, the may have seen a pattern of behaviour that it could have acted on.”
The Board further admitted that there were “clear” times where the “did not take adequate action” amid concerns regarding Westwood’s behaviour.
It has been reported that there was evidence of “bullying and misogynistic behaviour” from Westwood and that his general conduct was “entirely incompatible with values”.
The board went on:” The organisation fell short and failed people – including our own staff – who had a right to expect better from us.” They added that it would “take this opportunity to apologisr on behalf of the entore 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.” The cost of the review is approximately £3.3million, the said.