Tim Westwood pleads not guilty over rape and sexual assault charges

Tim Westwood, the ex-BBC Radio 1 and Capital Xtra DJ, has pleaded ‘not guilty’ at a court hearing in London’s Southwark Crown Court today. Back in October, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that Westwood will face trial for multiple counts of rape and other sexual offences.

Westwood has been charged with four counts of rape. He also stands accused of nine counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault. The charges relate to crimes spanning from 1983 to 2016. They involve seven different people, most of whom were Black. Two of the victims were girls aged 17-18.

The news came more than five years after allegations of the presenter’s sexual misconduct began to emerge. The investigation into the claims was first opened over three years ago. You can find a timeline of the allegations at this link.

Three years ago, the Canary’s Sophia Purdy-Moore wrote:

In this society, Black women and girls are not protected from violence. And they are not believed when they speak out about the harm they have experienced. This is rooted in a culture of racism and misogyny which sexualises and adultifies Black girls and young women.

This is exemplified in the revelations of Met Police officers strip searching Black schoolgirls. Other officers took and shared dehumanising photos of murdered sisters Nicole Smallman and Bibaa Henry. Meanwhile, public services still fail to meet the needs of Black women and girls, and often put them at further risk of harm.

This is precisely why Westwood’s alleged victims were afraid to speak out. We must listen to these women, amplify their stories, and hold all those who contributed to their abuse accountable.

Released on bail

Westwood has consistently denied the claims against him. He faced his first hearing on 10 November of this year. He wasn’t required to enter his plea at the time, and was released on bail, with the condition that he refrains from contacting prosecution witnesses.

Shortly before his 10 November hearing, Westwood was filmed performing in Lagos, Nigeria. Punch reported that the former DJ relocated to Ghana in 2022, and later Lagos. The article also stated that:

He also claimed, in another Instagram post, to have performed at the 60th birthday celebration of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Sharing a photo of himself shaking hands with the governor, Westwood wrote, “Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State, honoured to DJ at your 60th birthday luncheon at Isimi Lagos, Epe.”

In February 2025, the BBC reported that he held a gig in Oyo State.

By April 2025, he was spotted at industry nights, clubs, and events, and even hosted a live session with a local drill artist.

In September 2025, posters advertised him as host of the NPL S8 Grand Finals esports event in Oregun, Lagos.

Amid his constant public appearances, some Nigerians began to question his participation in local events.

Westwood has once again been granted bail after today’s hearing. This will last until his trial scheduled for January 2027.

Featured image via the Canary