The woman tasked with investigating how much the BBC knew about allegations of sexual misconduct against former radio DJ Tim Westwood said she looked through 50,000 documents in her search for evidence.
Gemma White KC, who was commissioned by the BBC to carry out an independent inquiry into Westwood last year, said she expected to have her findings by early July at the latest. The BBC has committed to publishing its review in full. Westwood strongly denied wrongdoing.
In an update on her work, White said that as well as researching BBC newspapers, she interviewed people who worked for the station during the period Westwood presented programs for Radio 1 and 1Xtra.
The BBC declined to comment on whether Tim Davie, the director-general, was among those interviewed. The inquiry could raise uncomfortable questions for Davie, who ran the BBC’s radio department when Westwood was on air between 2009 and 2012. The DJ was an influential force on the hip-hop music scene for a 20-year BBC career before leaving in 2013.
White also encouraged other potential victims to come forward. Her team at Linklaters law firm set up a phone line for women to share their stories. Jahnine Davis, a security researcher, will help take calls on behalf of the investigation.
“Your evidence will help me determine whether the BBC was aware of the concerns and responded appropriately, and may be an important part of evaluating and developing how the BBC will respond to any allegations or concerns in the future,” White said.
The Metropolitan Police said last week that Westwood, which hosts the British version of MTV Pimp my carAs a precaution, she was questioned twice about five alleged sexual offences. It follows BBC News and The Guardian, which reported allegations against 18 women in the past year.
Source: Deadline
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