Tim Westwood is facing a string of sexual misconduct allegations (Picture: Getty Images)
A 24-hour hotline has been launched by the BBC as part of its investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations against Tim Westwood.
Several women have come forward over the past year to accuse the former 1Xtra DJ of inappropriate behaviour.
Westwood, 65, has vehemently denied all allegations.
Last week, it was revealed that the presenter had been interviewed by police over sex offence complaints spanning 34 years.
Led by barrister Gemma White KC, the BBC has now set up a confidential phone line in a bid to ‘expand the ways in which people can come forward’ to report information.
Ms White was appointed by the BBC Board in August 2022 following an independent internal review that found the corporation should have further explored a string of sexual assault allegations against Westwood.
Westwood, 65, has vehemently denied ‘any wrongdoing’ (Picture: Getty Images)
She said that she had opened the confidential phone line until May 19 so that people had an opportunity to speak with her or her colleagues directly.
The confidential phone line will remain open until May 19 so that people have an opportunity to speak either directly with her or her colleagues.
Announcing the new hotline, Ms White said: ‘I have recently been provided with material suggesting that there are people who want to contribute to the review by calling me, or members of the Linklaters review team, rather than having to email to make an appointment to speak.
‘I have been working since November 2022 with Jahnine Davis, who is a safeguarding professional with particular expertise in violence against women and girls and safeguarding Black children.
‘We have discussed participation in the review and think that some people might prefer to speak directly to Jahnine rather than having to arrange a meeting with me.’
The BBC is investigating how they could have probed the allegations further (Picture: WireImage)
She continued: ‘We have therefore set up a dedicated phone line which will allow people to contact Jahnine directly, or to speak to me if they wish.
‘Either Jahnine or I will be available to speak during the working day, and Jahnine will also be available on certain evenings.
‘There will be a 24/7 answering system to take messages if we are unavailable or if you would prefer to simply leave recorded evidence on the machine.’
More than 50,000 BBC documents have been included in the inquiry so far, and the findings were expected to be published this spring. Ms White acknowledged that the review will likely conclude ‘later than many would have hoped’, but that she expects to be able to report her findings to the BBC in late June or early July.
Westwood quit the BBC in 2013 (Picture: Rex Features)
‘The additional time is necessary for a thorough review of documents and information which we continue to receive and will allow a reasonable period to consider any new contributions which are made through the phone line,’ she explained.
Westwood, who quit the BBC in 2013, was questioned under caution by the Metropolitan Police in March and April this year, in relation to five sexual offences alleged to have taken place between 1982 and 2016.
He stepped down from his Capital Xtra show in April 2022.
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The hip hop DJ addressed the allegations last year, with his rep releasing a statement that said: ‘Tim Westwood strongly denies all allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
‘In a career that has spanned 40 years, there have never been any complaints made against him officially or unofficially.
‘Tim Westwood strongly rejects all allegations of wrongdoing.’
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The BBC presenter has denied all allegations from several women.