Paul Gambaccini pulls out of hosting Annie Lennox event following arrest

Paul Gambaccini, the gay radio and television presenter, has pulled out from hosting the 22nd Music Industry Trusts (MITs) Award dinner in London following his arrest last week on suspicion of sexual offences.

He was due to host this evening’s MITs gala dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel, which will honour Annie Lennox for her outstanding contribution to British music and charity work.

A spokesman for Gambaccini said: “I can confirm he has withdrawn from hosting the MITs.”

In a separate statement, they said: “Mr Gambaccini was interviewed by Operation Yewtree officers about historic allegations. He answered their questions and was co-operative. He denied all allegations.”

The BBC Radio 2 DJ was held at his home in south London on Tuesday 29 October and answered questions in police custody before being released on bail.

Mr Gambaccini, who is one of Britain’s best known broadcasters and foremost authorities on music, became the 15th arrest under Operation Yewtree since it began a year ago.

Yewtree has been investigating claims of historical sexual offences since the Jimmy Savile scandal broke in 2012.

Mr Gambaccini denies all of the allegations.

He entered into a civil partnership with his partner Christopher Sherwood last year.

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