Former BBC Radio 1 presenter Tim Westwood has been charged with multiple sexual offences following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service.
The Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charges after reviewing evidence gathered by detectives.
The 68-year-old from Westminster is facing four counts of rape, nine counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault.
The alleged offences involve seven women and span more than 30 years, from 1983 to 2016. They are said to have taken place across London and in Stroud.
Police say the charges include indecent assault of a 17-year-old girl in Fulham in 1983, sexual assault of a woman in her 20s in Vauxhall in 1986, and rape and sexual assault involving a 17 to 18-year-old woman between 1995 and 1996.
Further allegations include rape and sexual assault of another 17 to 18-year-old woman between 2000 and 2001, rape of a woman in her 20s in London in 2010, sexual assault of a woman in Stroud that same year, and a further sexual assault in Finchley in 2016.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said: “It takes courage to come forward and report allegations of this nature. The women who have done so have put their trust in us and we continue to provide them with all available support.”
He added that the investigation remains open and urged anyone with information to contact the police or Rape Crisis for support.
He began his radio career in the late 1970s on local and pirate radio stations in London, including LWR and Kiss FM before it became legal. His reputation grew for championing emerging hip hop acts and bringing American rap to UK audiences at a time when it had limited mainstream exposure.
In 1987, he joined Capital Radio, where he presented Capital Rap Show, helping to popularise the genre across the UK. In 1994, Westwood moved to BBC Radio 1, launching The Rap Show, which became one of the country’s most influential platforms for hip hop and R&B. The programme featured major artists such as Jay-Z, Eminem, and Kanye West and helped shape the sound of British urban radio for nearly 20 years.
He also hosted the BBC Radio 1Xtra drivetime show when the digital network launched in 2002 and continued presenting on both Radio 1 and 1Xtra until leaving the BBC in 2013.
After his departure, Westwood joined Capital XTRA, where he continued his hip hop shows until 2022. He has also been known for live DJ performances, club nights, and mixtape releases throughout his career.
Westwood is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday 10 November.