Scott Mills has released an emotional statement after being axed from the BBC following new information on a sexual offence police investigation into him in 2017.
Mills, 53, was investigated then cleared over allegations of ‘serious sexual offences’ against a boy under the age of 16 between 1997 and 2000.
The BBC admitted it was aware of the investigation into Mills back in 2017 – before sacking him last week following new information.
The Radio 2 morning show host has broken his silence tonight, thanking colleagues and listeners for their ‘kindness’ following his 27-year career with the corporation.
Mills admitted he was investigated by police over sex offences.
‘I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have reached out to me with kindness, my former colleagues, and my beloved listeners, who I greatly miss,’ he said.
‘The recent announcement that I am no longer contracted to the BBC has led to the publication of rumour and speculation. In response to this the Metropolitan Police has made a statement, which I confirm relates to me.
‘An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully cooperated and responded to in 2018.’
His statement added: ‘As the police have stated, a file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined that the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges.
‘Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed 7 years ago, I hope that the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter.’
Corporation chiefs felt they had ‘no choice’ but to dismiss the presenter after fresh claims about his alleged conduct.
It came as concerns were being raised by friends that he was avoiding phone calls and had ‘gone to ground’ following Monday’s announcement by the BBC.
Hampshire Police said the sexual offence allegations were first reported by a third party in 2016, and that the force logged the details and passed on information to the Metropolitan Police for investigation.
The Met confirmed they questioned Mills over the accusations when reported to them that year, but the Crown Prosecution Service found there was not enough evidence and closed the case in 2019.
The BBC has declined to say why he was dismissed other than that it was related to his ‘personal conduct’ – but faced questions as to why he was kept on air despite reportedly knowing he was interviewed under caution between 2018 and 2019.
Now new information is said to have been passed to the BBC relating to the same alleged victim but different to previous claims.
A BBC spokesperson said in a new statement today: ‘Scott Mills had a long career across the BBC, he was hugely popular and we know the news this week has come as a shock and surprise to many.
‘We also recognise there’s been much speculation in the media and online since Monday. We hope people understand that there is a limit to what we can say because we have to be mindful of the rights of those involved.
‘What we can confirm is that in recent weeks, we obtained new information relating to Scott and we spoke directly with him. As a result, the BBC acted decisively in line with our culture and values and terminated his contracts on Friday 27 March.
‘The BBC has made a significant commitment to improve its culture, processes and standards. Last year, following an independent culture review, we set out the behavioural expectations for everyone who works with or for the BBC and we were clear action would be taken if these were not met.
‘Separately, we can confirm the BBC was made aware in 2017 of the existence of an ongoing police investigation, which was subsequently closed in 2019 with no arrest or charge being made.
‘We are doing more work to understand the detail of what was known by the BBC at this time.’
It had been earlier suggested Mills told the BBC in 2018 about being questioned by police – with the Sun quoting a source as saying: ‘The BBC knew Scott had been questioned by police, he told them. Scott said he denied the allegations that had been made against him.’
TV presenter Piers Morgan posted on X: ‘I don’t understand. He was investigated by police 10yrs ago over alleged offences 25+ years ago, but no action was taken and case was closed.
‘Now he gets instantly fired over same thing? The BBC needs to explain why, surely?’
Media expert and crisis consultant Mark Borkowski told the Daily Mail: ‘The BBC need to come clean about what exactly they know about the alleged investigation into Mills, otherwise there will be backlash from listeners who are confused why he has been sacked for something that happened 10 years ago.’
The Mail revealed this week how the complaint sparking Mills’ axeing was thought to have come from someone inspired to speak out again this year following the recent Channel 5 docudrama about disgraced ex-BBC newsreader Huw Edwards.
One BBC executive in London told the Daily Mail there was a real belief among bosses at the corporation that the timing was ‘not a coincidence’.
Channel 5 documentary Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards was broadcast released last week and detailed the downfall of the former BBC news anchor.
A source said: ‘The Huw Edwards drama showed that there could be a reckoning.’
Former BBC News main presenter Edwards received a six-month suspended sentence after admitting three charges of making indecent images of children.
Edwards, who criticised the programme in an angry statement to the Mail last month, was portrayed in the Channel 5 drama by Martin Clunes.
The ex-newscaster has ‘liked’ a LinkedIn post sympathising with the ‘stressful’ situation Mills faces.
Meanwhile, Mills is reportedly not taking calls from his worried friends following his dismissal.
