The hip-hop king - an abuse of power
A joint investigation by the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ and the Guardian has uncovered multiple claims of sexual misconduct against the DJ Tim Westwood. He strenuously denies all the allegations.
The former Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 1 DJ, Tim Westwood, is one of the best known names in British music. The 64-year-old is a hip-hop heavyweight who hosted the first nationally broadcast rap show on UK radio from 1994. Now, though, he's facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct by women who say he abused his position in the music industry to exploit them. A joint Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ and Guardian investigation has heard detailed accounts from seven women, all of whom are black. They accuse the DJ of predatory and unwanted sexual behaviour in incidents between 1992 and 2017.
For 5 Minutes On, two of the women tell their stories to Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ reporter Chi Chi Izundu, who was part of the investigation. Their names and voices are disguised. One of the women met Tim Westwood when she was 17 and he was in his mid 30s. Another describes what happened to her after the DJ unexpectedly drove her to his flat. She was 19 and he was 53.
Tim Westwood has strenuously denied all the allegations. His spokesman said they were completely false and denied them in their entirety. None of the women involved contacted the police.
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