Tim Westwood quits Capital Xtra after facing sexual misconduct claims

Tim Westwood has stepped down from his show at Capital Xtra following widespread accusations of sexual misconduct.

The former BBC DJ has been accused of predatory sexual behaviour from several women who outlined their allegations as part of a joint investigation by The Guardian and the BBC. He has denied all the claims.

Confirming Westwood’s departure, a spokesperson for Global – the company which operates Capital Xtra – said: “Following the claims that have recently come to light, Tim Westwood has stepped down from his show until further notice.”

The 64-year-old is accused of predatory sexual behaviour in a series of incidents that allegedly occurred between 1992 and 2017.

Two of the women involved say they travelled to London to meet Westwood when they were looking for a break into the music industry. They allege he drove them to a flat and initiated unwanted sex. Westwood was allegedly 53 at the time, while one of the women was 19.

All the women are Black and decided to come forward with their stories after allegations of inappropriate behaviour from Westwood began on social media in June 2020.

The alleged victims – whose names have been changed – gave their testimonies for a new 30-minute documentary, Tim Westwood: Abuse of Power, which aired last night at 9pm on BBC Three. It is also available to watch now via the BBC iPlayer.

Westwood has been one of the UK’s most recognisable names in hip-hop and rap since he started hosting on BBC Radio 1 back in 1994. He hosted early interviews with Jay-Z and became a stalwart of the station until his departure in 2014.

 He went on to host his show on Capital Xtra as well as regular club night appearances.

Lawyers acting for Westwood said: “Any suggestion that he acts, or has acted, in the way described would be false and seriously defamatory.”