BBC Apologizes For “Missed Opportunities” To Tackle DJ Tim Westwood Over “Bullying & Misogynistic” Behavior

deadline.com:

The BBC has apologized for missing chances to take action against Tim Westwood after an external review concluded that the former presenter’s conduct was “entirely incompatible with BBC values.” The UK broadcaster’s board today released an independent report, overseen by Gemma White KC, into how the BBC managed complaints about Westwood during the time he worked as a Radio 1 and 1Xtra DJ between 1994 and 2013.

Westwood strongly denies all allegations against him. While it noted there was no “widespread or significant BBC knowledge of the allegations or concerns,” it admitted that alleged incidents were “treated in isolation rather than being brought together” and therefore missed a “pattern of behavior that it could have acted on.” “Beyond assessing any alleged criminality, which is a matter for the police, it is clear there were times where the BBC, on learning about concerns regarding Mr Westwood’s behaviour, did not take adequate action,” added The BBC Board in a statement. “There is evidence of bullying and misogynistic behaviour on the part of Mr Westwood and the plain fact is that his general conduct was entirely incompatible with BBC values – not just now, but then.

The organisation fell short and failed people – including our own staff – who had a right to expect better from us.” White’s report concluded that allegations about Westwood’s conduct were a factor in his contract not being renewed in 2013.

BBC radio bosses at the time acknowledged that he created a “toxic” culture among colleagues. White, the barrister engaged to investigate the BBC’s response to the Westwood allegations, noted that the DJ often made sexualized remarks on his shows, similar to Russell Brand, another former BBC DJ who has been