The girl tasked with investigating how a lot the BBC knew about sexual misconduct allegations towards former radio DJ Tim Westwood has mentioned she has combed via 50,000 paperwork in her seek for proof.
Gemma White KC, who was appointed final yr by the BBC to hold out an unbiased inquiry into Westwood, mentioned she expects to report her findings by early July on the newest. The BBC has dedicated to publishing her assessment in full. Westwood has strongly denied wrongdoing.
In an replace on her work, White mentioned that in addition to conducting searches on BBC papers, she had interviewed people who labored on the broadcaster through the interval through which Westwood offered reveals for Radio 1 and 1Xtra.
The BBC declined to touch upon whether or not Tim Davie, the Director Normal, was amongst these questioned. The inquiry may increase awkward questions for Davie, who led the BBC’s radio division at a time when Westwood was on air between 2009 and 2012. The DJ was an influential drive within the hip-hop music scene over a 20-year BBC profession earlier than he left in 2013.
White additionally known as for different potential victims to come back ahead. Her workforce at legislation agency Linklaters has established a cellphone line so that ladies can share their tales. Jahnine Davis, a safeguarding skilled, will assist take calls on the inquiry’s behalf.
“Your proof will assist me set up whether or not the BBC knew of issues and responded appropriately, and might be an essential a part of the BBC assessing and creating the best way it responds to allegations or issues sooner or later,” White mentioned.
The Metropolitan Police mentioned final week that Westwood, who offered the UK model of MTV’s Pimp My Trip, had been questioned twice beneath warning over 5 alleged intercourse offenses. It follows BBC Information and The Guardian reporting allegations from 18 ladies final yr.