Scott Mills' 90s Instagram Joke Resurfaces Amid BBC Sacking Over Allegations
Former BBC Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills has seen an old social media post recirculate in the wake of his abrupt dismissal from the corporation. The 53-year-old DJ was taken off air from his flagship breakfast show last Wednesday, March 25, and his contract was terminated by the weekend following an allegation related to his personal conduct.
BBC Confirms Termination Linked to New Information
In a statement issued to the Mirror, the BBC explained that "new information" about Mills had come to light in recent weeks, prompting decisive action. The broadcaster stated it had spoken directly with Mills and terminated his contracts on Friday, March 27, citing a breach of their culture and values.
The BBC also confirmed they were "made aware in 2017 of the existence of an ongoing police investigation" into Mills regarding serious sexual offences against a teenage boy. That investigation was closed in 2019 without any arrest or charges being made. The corporation emphasized its commitment to improving culture and standards following an independent review.
Instagram Post from March 17 Takes on New Meaning
This development has prompted renewed attention to an Instagram post Mills shared on March 17. Participating in a trend where celebrities show what they looked like in the 1990s, Mills jokingly used pictures of American talk show host Ellen DeGeneres instead of himself, playing on their perceived resemblance.
At the time intended as lighthearted humour, the post is now being viewed through a different lens. Ellen DeGeneres ended her long-running television show in 2021 amid allegations of fostering a toxic work environment, which some social media users find eerily foreshadowing in light of Mills' situation.
Social Media Reaction Highlights Awkward Timing
Commenting on the resurfaced video, one user remarked: "Well this is awkward now, isn't it." Another added simply: "This didn't age well." The posts reflect how the context of Mills' dismissal has changed public perception of what was originally meant as innocent fun.
Mills had taken over the Radio 2 breakfast show from Zoe Ball in 2025, becoming a prominent voice on the station. The BBC acknowledged his popularity and the shock his dismissal has caused among listeners, while maintaining they must be mindful of the rights of those involved in limiting further public comment.
The corporation stated it is conducting additional work to understand what was known internally about the 2017 police investigation at the time. No further details about the specific allegations leading to Mills' termination have been disclosed by the BBC beyond their statement about obtaining new information that contravened organizational values.
