Scott Mills could lose his honorary doctorate from Southampton Solent University following his sacking by the BBC over allegations about his personal conduct. The university's honorary doctorate scrutiny panel is expected to recommend rescinding the award when it meets later in April. Mills received the honour in November 2009.
The BBC confirmed it terminated the Radio 2 DJ's contract earlier this week after receiving new information about allegations of a historical sexual offence. The corporation admitted it knew about a police investigation into the claims in 2017 but said it acted decisively after the fresh details emerged.
Mills, 53, was abruptly pulled from the airwaves last month and presented his final show on March 24. Outgoing BBC director-general Tim Davie described the decision to sack Mills as a 'real shock to the organisation' during an all-staff call on his final day in the role.
In a statement through his solicitors, Mills said he had been the subject of 'rumour and speculation' since his sacking and that he cooperated fully with a police investigation, which was closed in 2019 after prosecutors decided there was insufficient evidence to bring charges. He added that an allegation was made against him in 2016 of a historic sexual offence, and he hoped the public would respect his wish not to comment further.
