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The BBC has withheld publication of its report into what the corporation knew about the alleged behavior of former BBC Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood following a request from the Metropolitan Police.
In 2022, BBC News aired allegations of predatory and unwanted sexual behavior and touching by 18 women from 1992 to 2017 by Tim Westwood.
Mr Westwood has denied allegations of misconduct.
A Met Police spokesman said: “While consultation with the CPS continues, we have asked the BBC to withhold publication of its report to allow more time to consider any potential impact on the investigation. “
The BBC report, led by Gemma White KC, was commissioned by the BBC to investigate Mr Westwood’s employment with the broadcaster.
The BBC confirmed that the police had asked to stop publication of the report, adding that it would continue to correspond with the authorities.
In a statement, it said it would provide further updates when it had the clarity to do so.
“The BBC has always been clear that it intends to publish Gemma White KC’s report. We recognize that this delay in publication will be frustrating – particularly for those who have come forward to take part in the review. came and for whom we are very grateful.
“However, we must continue to ensure that any steps we take, including in relation to the publication of the report, do not adversely affect any criminal activity.”
Mr Westwood is believed to have been interviewed four times by the Metropolitan Police under caution since the joint BBC News and Guardian investigation aired.
In a statement, police said the crimes allegedly took place between 1982 and 2016.
Detectives said they interviewed a man in his 60s under caution last year. No arrests have been made.
The BBC’s review of Westwood’s employment with the BBC was initially expected to take six months.
A freedom of information request by BBC News earlier this year revealed that the BBC had spent more than £3 million on the review so far.
Last month, the Met Police confirmed it had made recommendations to the BBC that parts of the report could interfere with justice if published.
The force also confirmed it had submitted a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service but that the inquiry was continuing.
He called the investigation “a complex and sensitive matter” and his “absolute priority is to maintain the integrity of our investigation and support and to maintain the trust of potential victims”.
Tim Westwood pulls out of his Capital Extra show in 2022
The 67-year-old has continued to play at games up and down the country, despite some campaigners calling for nightclubs not to host him since the allegations emerged.
He also plays regular gigs in West Africa.
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