The BBC has admitted that it "fell short and failed people"—including its own staff—by not addressing the "bullying and misogynistic behaviour" of former Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood. The corporation issued an apology after an independent inquiry found it had "missed opportunities" to take action. The inquiry was launched following a 2022 joint investigation by The Guardian and BBC News into allegations of sexual misconduct and predatory behaviour by Westwood.

While the report concluded there was "no widespread or significant BBC knowledge of allegations or concerns about predatory sexual behaviour," it highlighted instances where the organisation failed to act when it had the chance. In a statement, the BBC acknowledged that allegations against Westwood were handled in isolation rather than being examined collectively. The corporation admitted: "There is evidence of bullying and misogynistic behaviour on the part of Mr Westwood, and the plain fact is that his general conduct was entirely incompatible with BBC values—not just now, but then. The organisation fell short and failed people—including our own staff—who had a right to expect better from us."

The BBC Board issued an apology on behalf of the entire corporation, stating: "Your voice has been heard, and the findings of the review will further fuel the drive to ensure it does not happen again." In April 2022, seven women accused Westwood, 65, of sexual misconduct and predatory behaviour. Westwood denied all allegations, with a spokesperson calling them "completely false." Just over 24 hours after the allegations were published—alongside the BBC Three documentary Tim Westwood: Abuse of Power—Westwood stepped down from his show on Capital Xtra.

The women's testimonies prompted a criminal inquiry by the Metropolitan Police, who later questioned him under caution. In July 2022, more allegations emerged from 10 more women, including claims of sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, and inappropriate behaviour. One woman alleged that Westwood first had sex with her in the early 1990s when she was just 14, while he was in his 30s. Westwood did not respond when asked to comment. The allegations span from 1992 to 2017, during which Westwood—who launched BBC Radio 1’s first rap show in 1994—was one of the most recognisable figures in hip-hop and rap broadcasting.

In response, the BBC appointed barrister Gemma White KC to lead an independent review and opened a 24-hour hotline for witnesses to come forward. Originally expected to conclude within six months, the review faced delays, with its publication pushed back to December 2024 at the request of the Metropolitan Police. A BBC News Freedom of Information request in June last year revealed that the BBC had spent more than £3 million on the inquiry—a figure that has since risen to approximately £3.3 million. In November 2023, detectives investigating allegations of historical sexual abuse related to Westwood submitted a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). A CPS spokesperson confirmed that they had received the file regarding "allegations of non-recent sexual offences allegedly committed by a man in his 60s." On Tuesday, the CPS stated there were no further updates on the case.