The BBC has admitted that it “fell short and failed people” by neglecting to address “bullying and misogynistic behaviour” by former Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood.

The corporation issued a formal apology after a major external review by barrister Gemma White revealed that there had been “missed opportunities” that could have led to action.

The report was initially launched in 2022, and followed sexual abuse allegations made against Westwood by multiple women in a joint investigation by The Guardian and BBC News. In July of that year, the BBC  confirmed that it had received six allegations of misconduct at the hands of the former Radio 1 DJ, one of which was handed over to law enforcement.

In an extended investigation, the BBC news documentary Hip Hop’s Open Secret: Tim Westwood found the DJ accused of having sex with a 14-year-old girl when he was in his 30s.

Following the initial allegations, Westwood stepped down from his Capital Xtra radio show, and has consistently denied all claims raised against him.

Ms White’s findings stated that Westwood declined her invitations to meet or contribute to the review in writing, citing the police investigation.

In a statement, the BBC divulged that while the report found “no widespread or significant BBC knowledge of allegations or concerns about predatory sexual behaviour”, it was clear there had been “instances where the organisation missed opportunities that might have led to action”.

“The organisation fell short and failed people – including our own staff – who had a right to expect better from us,” the statement read.

"The board [wants] to take this opportunity to apologise on behalf of the entire BBC to anyone impacted by what the review has found. Your voice has been heard, and the findings of the review will further fuel the drive to ensure it does not happen again."

People who shared their allegations against Westwood with the report commented that they were “concerned that they would not be believed or might be blamed” for his behaviour, as he was “very popular so no one wanted to listen”.

“A common theme amongst those who reported allegations was that they did not know or understand at the time that the behaviour which they had described to me was wrong,” the report also found.

“Some said they had only realised when they were older, or recently. One person referred to not understanding at the time what sexual assault was.”

Tim Westwood has yet to publicly respond to the report. The investigations from the police into the accusations are still ongoing.

A copy of Ms White's report can be found here.