Kamal Ghorui
Former BBC Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills has issued his first public statement after being sacked by the broadcaster, addressing a past police investigation into alleged sexual offences.In a statement released through his lawyers, Mills said he had been the subject of “rumour and speculation” following his sudden exit.“The recent announcement that I am no longer contracted to the BBC has led to the publication of rumour and speculation,” he said.Confirming he was the person at the centre of the probe, Mills added that an allegation made in 2016 was investigated by police and that he had “fully cooperated” with authorities.He noted that the Crown Prosecution Service had concluded there was insufficient evidence to bring charges, and the case was closed in 2019.Mills said the allegation dates back nearly three decades and the investigation was closed years ago, adding that he hopes the public will respect his decision not to comment further.“I wish to thank… my former colleagues and my beloved listeners, who I greatly miss,” he said.
Why was he sacked
The BBC terminated Mills’ contract last week after receiving “new information” in recent weeks, despite being aware of the investigation as early as 2017.A spokesperson said the broadcaster had acted “decisively” in line with its internal standards and culture reforms.
What was the case about
The Metropolitan Police launched an investigation in 2016 into allegations of serious sexual offences involving a teenage boy under 16, said to have taken place between 1997 and 2000.Mills was questioned under caution in 2018. However, prosecutors later ruled that the evidential threshold had not been met, and no charges were filed.The identity of the alleged victim has not been made public.
Career and fallout
Despite the investigation being closed, Mills continued his rise within the BBC and went on to host the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, one of the UK’s most prominent broadcasting slots.His final show aired in March, after which he was abruptly taken off air. He had signed off saying “back tomorrow,” but did not return.Separately, a children’s charity he was associated with has also parted ways with him following the controversy.The BBC said it is reviewing what was known internally about the case after it emerged the organisation had been aware of the probe years earlier.The broadcaster reiterated its commitment to improving workplace culture and said action would be taken when standards are not met.
