Tim Westwood Steps Down From Capital Xtra Show, Gigs Cancelled In Light Of Sexual Assault Allegations

After a joint BBC and Guardian investigation on Monday revealed seven separate allegations of sexual assault and abuse of power against globally-recognised British hip-hop DJ Tim Westwood, the 64-year-old has now stepped down from his radio show on Capital Xtra

Global, who run the station, said in a statement: “Following the claims that have recently come to light, Tim Westwood has stepped down from his show until further notice.”

While Westwood disputes these claims, his DJ bookings are also starting to be affected by these disturbing allegations. Birmingham’s Rum Rum nightclub and Butlins in Bognor Regis were the first to cancel events that he was scheduled to headline and, by the looks of conversations being had across social media, the cancellations are likely to continue. 

The allegations against the DJ span from 1992 to 2017 during which time he hosted shows on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 1Xtra and Capital Xtra. The seven Black women who came forward with their stories of abuse from Westwood ranging from groping to non-consensual sex.

A BBC Three documentary, Tim Westwood: Abuse of Power, detailing this story aired last night, but if you missed it, you can watch it back now on the BBC iPlayer.

Following the premiere of last night’s doc, an important and informative talk—led by UK activist Kelechi Okafor—was held on Twitter Spaces about this story. You can listen back to that here.