BBC Erases Scott Mills Episodes from Top of the Pops Archive
The BBC has taken the decisive step of pulling all episodes of Top of the Pops that featured Scott Mills from its iPlayer streaming service. This action follows the corporation's dismissal of the long-serving radio star last month, amid a growing scandal that has rocked the public broadcaster.
Background of the Allegations and Investigation
Scott Mills, a familiar voice on BBC Radio 1 and 2 for decades, was axed from his role in March. The Mirror revealed that Mills was questioned in 2018 over historical allegations of serious sexual offences, with the investigation beginning in 2016. However, the case was closed in 2019 after the Crown Prosecution Service determined there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.
The allegations are reported to have occurred between 1997 and 2000, involving a teenage boy under the age of 16. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a man in his 40s at the time of the 2016 interview was investigated, but no further action was taken due to the lack of evidence.
Impact on Top of the Pops Legacy
Top of the Pops was the BBC's flagship music programme for over 40 years, showcasing chart-topping acts like The Beatles, Spice Girls, and Madonna. Although the show ended in 2006, it continues to be repeated regularly. According to reports from The Sun, three episodes hosted by Mills, originally airing in 1999, have now been wiped from iPlayer. During these episodes, Mills welcomed performers such as Billie Piper, Mariah Carey, and Westlife.
BBC's Response and Internal Knowledge
On April 1, the Mirror disclosed that the BBC terminated Mills' contract after receiving compelling new information. The BBC confirmed this report a day later, acknowledging awareness of details related to the police investigation. The corporation pledged to conduct further work to understand what was known internally at the time, with BBC News reporting that former director general Tony Hall was not aware of the allegations.
Mills' Statement and Public Reaction
Following his dismissal, Mills issued a statement via lawyers, thanking supporters and addressing the police probe. He confirmed that the Metropolitan Police's statement related to him and explained that he fully cooperated with the 2016 investigation into a historic sexual offence allegation. Mills expressed hope that the public and media would respect his wish not to comment further, given the investigation's closure seven years ago and the allegations dating back nearly three decades.
This move by the BBC highlights ongoing challenges in handling historical allegations within the entertainment industry, as the broadcaster navigates the fallout from Mills' sacking and the removal of his content from public archives.
