Who Is Tim Westwood? Former BBC DJ Denies Two More Sex Offence Charges as Total Reaches 17

Former BBC DJ Tim Westwood has pleaded not guilty to two additional sexual offense charges, bringing the total number of charges against him to 17 involving nine women.

On Nov. 12, 2026, the 69-year-old appeared at Southwark Crown Court and denied indecently assaulting a teenage girl in 1991 and sexually assaulting an 18-year-old woman in 2004. The allegations span more than three decades, from 1983 to 2016.

Westwood rose to prominence as one of the UK’s most recognizable hip-hop presenters through BBC Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra. However, his broadcasting career has come under renewed scrutiny following sexual misconduct allegations.

Who Is Tim Westwood?

Tim Westwood is a British DJ and radio presenter who helped popularize hip-hop and rap music in the UK. Born on Oct. 3, 1957, he began his radio career on pirate radio before moving into mainstream broadcasting.

Westwood rose to prominence in the late 1980s when he joined Capital Radio in London. He showcased hip-hop through his programs and interviewed high-profile artists.

In 1994, he joined BBC Radio 1 and presented the station’s first dedicated rap show. His programs introduced international hip-hop artists to British audiences and gave emerging UK performers a platform.

Westwood subsequently became associated with BBC Radio 1Xtra and spent nearly two decades working across BBC radio.

After leaving the corporation in 2013, he continued his broadcasting career at Capital Xtra, hosting a regular Saturday program and becoming known as “The Big Dawg.”

Tim Westwood Facing 17 Sexual Offense Charges

Westwood’s two additional charges were announced on Sept. 22, 2026, following a Metropolitan Police investigation into separate allegations involving two women.

According to police, Westwood is accused of indecently assaulting a teenage girl aged 16 or 17 in Hammersmith and Fulham, west London, in 1991.

The second charge concerns an alleged sexual assault involving an 18-year-old woman in Wandsworth, south London, in May 2004.

The allegations are separate from the original 15 charges brought against him in October 2025.

The original charges comprised four counts of rape, nine counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault involving seven women.

With the two additional charges, Westwood now faces 17 charges involving nine women: four counts of rape, nine counts of indecent assault and four counts of sexual assault.

Westwood has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

What Were the Earlier Allegations?

Westwood was initially charged in October 2025 following a Metropolitan Police investigation into allegations made by seven women.

The original allegations include indecent assaults said to have taken place in London during the 1980s and at BBC studios during the 1990s.

He is also accused of rape in connection with alleged incidents at a London hotel and private addresses. Other allegations concern incidents said to have occurred at a nightclub in Stroud, Gloucestershire, and locations across London.

The alleged offenses span more than three decades, from 1983 to 2016.

Westwood pleaded not guilty to the original 15 charges at Southwark Crown Court in December 2025 and has consistently denied the allegations.

What Happened to His BBC Career?

Westwood spent nearly two decades working with the BBC, becoming a well-known figure in British music broadcasting.

He left BBC Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra in 2013 but continued presenting programs elsewhere.

In 2022, allegations concerning his behavior came to wider public attention. He stepped down from his Capital Xtra show in April 2022 following reports of alleged misconduct during his broadcasting career.

In February 2025, the BBC issued an apology following an internal review of its handling of concerns about Westwood’s alleged behavior. The findings raised questions about whether the corporation had adequately responded to concerns during his time at the broadcaster.

The review renewed scrutiny of workplace accountability and how complaints involving prominent media personalities were handled.

When Will Tim Westwood Go to Trial?

Westwood is scheduled to stand trial at Southwark Crown Court on Jan. 25, 2027, on all 17 charges. The proceedings are expected to last several weeks, with a case-readiness hearing scheduled for Dec. 8, 2026.

The trial will involve allegations concerning nine women and incidents said to have occurred over several decades.

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