The BBC has admitted it knew about a police investigation into DJ Scott Mills in 2017 but said it “acted decisively” after receiving “new information” in the weeks prior to his sacking.
The corporation revealed it had terminated the BBC Radio 2 presenter's contracts on Friday just days after taking him off air, but has now said this followed new information it received in recent weeks.
A BBC spokesperson said on Wednesday: “Scott Mills had a long career across the BBC, he was hugely popular and we know the news this week has come as a shock and surprise to many.
“We also recognise there's been much speculation in the media and online since Monday. We hope people understand that there is a limit to what we can say because we have to be mindful of the rights of those involved.
“What we can confirm is that in recent weeks, we obtained new information relating to Scott and we spoke directly with him. As a result, the BBC acted decisively in line with our culture and values and terminated his contracts on Friday March 27.
“The BBC has made a significant commitment to improve its culture, processes and standards. Last year, following an independent culture review, we set out the behavioural expectations for everyone who works with or for the BBC and we were clear action would be taken if these were not met.
“Separately, we can confirm the BBC was made aware in 2017 of the existence of an ongoing police investigation, which was subsequently closed in 2019 with no arrest or charge being made. We are doing more work to understand the detail of what was known by the BBC at this time.”
Mills was investigated over allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy under 16.
The 53-year-old was quizzed by police in 2018 - when he was working at Radio 1 - and a full file was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which concluded there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.
The breakfast show host was abruptly taken off air by the BBC last week before his sacking over allegations related to his “personal conduct” was announced on Monday.
The Mirror reported that the “new information” involved the same person at the centre of the allegations that sparked the police investigation, although it is different to those claims.
The BBC assessed the new details over the last few days “and decided he had to go”, the newspaper reported.
Mills has been contacted for comment. He was earning up to £360,000 in his Radio 2 job after taking over from Zoe Ball, who stepped down in December 2024.
Meanwhile, The Telegraph reported that the BBC had previously been told about allegations regarding Mills almost a year ago but had failed to investigate them.
The newspaper claimed a freelance reporter had contacted the corporation in May of 2025 regarding alleged “inappropriate communications”.
In a statement the BBC said: “We received a press query in 2025 which included limited information. This should have been followed up and we should have asked further questions. We apologise for this and will look into why this did not happen. More broadly, we would always urge anyone who has concerns or information to raise it with us.”
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch told the Press Association on a visit to Hertfordshire: “This is yet another scandal that the BBC has to contend with.
“It is a large and complex organisation, and I think that this is one of the things that the new director-general is going to need to get to grips with.”
A BBC spokesperson told The Standard: “While we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted to work with the BBC.”
