Former BBC Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood has entered a plea of not guilty to a series of serious charges, including rape and sexual assault, during a court appearance in London. The 68-year-old, known for his influential role in the UK hip-hop scene, faces 15 charges related to alleged incidents involving seven women over a span of more than three decades.

Allegations Spanning Decades

The charges against Westwood include four counts of rape, nine counts of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault, with the alleged incidents occurring between 1983 and 2016. Notably, three of the indecent assault charges are said to have taken place at BBC studios in 1996, during Westwood's tenure at the broadcaster. The accusations involve women as young as 17, with incidents reported in various locations across London and beyond.

Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions

Westwood appeared at Southwark Crown Court, dressed in a burgundy shirt and black jeans, where he confirmed his name and entered his pleas. He has been granted bail under the condition that he does not contact any witnesses involved in the case. A pre-trial review is scheduled for December next year, with the trial set to commence in January 2027.

A Storied Career in Broadcasting

Westwood's career began on local radio before he joined Capital Radio in London. He became a household name after launching BBC Radio 1's first rap show in 1994, a position he held until 2013. Following his departure from the BBC, he continued to host a show on Capital Xtra until 2022. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Westwood has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stating he "strongly denies all allegations of inappropriate behavior."