British hip-hop DJ Tim Westwood, a well-known figure in the UK and global music industry, has been formally charged with rape and sexual assault. The 67-year-old former BBC Radio 1 host is facing 15 charges involving seven women, marking a major turning point in a case that has been under investigation for years.

According to the Crown Prosecution Service, the charges include four counts of rape, nine counts of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault. These alleged offences took place between 1983 and 2016. Westwood is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on November 10, 2025. The DJ, who rose to fame in the 1990s as a key promoter of hip-hop and Afrobeats in the UK, has consistently denied the allegations.

Tim Westwood has had a long and influential career in the music industry. Known for his unique presenting style, he hosted popular shows on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra for nearly two decades before moving to Capital XTRA. Over the years, his platform became a launchpad for some of the biggest artists in hip-hop and Afrobeats, including several Nigerian stars. He was widely regarded as one of the key international figures who helped spotlight Afrobeats to a global audience.

The allegations first became public in 2020, but it was a joint investigation by BBC and The Guardian in 2022 that brought significant attention to the claims. Several women came forward, accusing Westwood of sexual misconduct over a long period. These reports eventually led to the current legal charges.

Representatives for Westwood have described the allegations as “entirely false” and stated that he will contest them in court. The case has sparked wide discussions online, especially in the music community, where he had built a powerful reputation.

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