The BBC has dismissed veteran broadcaster Scott Mills following revelations that the teenage boy who accused him of serious sexual offences in the 1990s was a child at the time of the alleged incidents. According to a BBC News report, the corporation's current management only became aware in recent weeks that the alleged victim had been under the age of 16, prompting immediate action to terminate Mills' contract just six days after he was removed from his Radio 2 Breakfast Show slot.
Investigation and Internal Review
Former BBC executives are now reportedly scrutinising records and interviewing staff to determine what was known about the Metropolitan Police investigation that led to Mills being interviewed under caution in 2018. The case was ultimately dropped in 2019 due to insufficient evidence, but the recent disclosure about the accuser's age has reignited scrutiny within the organisation.
Mills' Public Statement
In an extraordinary statement issued via his lawyers to the Daily Mail on Wednesday night, the 53-year-old Mills broke his silence to confirm he was the subject of the police inquiry. He did not deny the allegations but emphasised his full cooperation with the investigation. The statement read: '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.'
Mills further detailed: '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. 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.'
Appeal for Privacy and Gratitude
Given the historical nature of the allegation, dating back nearly three decades, and the closure of the police investigation seven years ago, Mills expressed hope that the public and media would respect his wish for no further comment. He concluded with heartfelt thanks: '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.'
The swift dismissal by the BBC underscores the corporation's heightened sensitivity to safeguarding issues, particularly involving minors, even in cases where legal proceedings have concluded without charges. This development has sparked broader discussions about accountability and transparency in handling historic allegations within media institutions.
