The BBC sacked Scott Mills after learning that the alleged victim in the police investigation into him was under 16, it has been reported.
The DJ, 53, was abruptly taken off air by the BBC last week before his firing on Friday over allegations related to his "personal conduct".
It emerged this week the BBC star was questioned by police over allegations of serious sexual offences involving a teenage boy under 16 in 2018, but the case was dropped due to lack of evidence.
The BBC has confirmed it knew in 2017 about the police investigation into one of its biggest stars, but said it “acted decisively” to sack him after receiving “new information” in recent weeks.
It is not clear whether BBC bosses knew of the alleged victim’s age in 2017, but current managers took the decision to sack Mills after learning they had been under 16, BBC News reported.
Earlier, the broadcaster broke his silence in an emotional statement after his shock sacking from the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show.
In his first statement since losing his job, released through his lawyer, Mills said: “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.
“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.
“Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed 7 years ago, I hope that the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter.
“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 Metropolitan Police launched its investigation into Mills in 2016 over the allegations relating to offences said to have taken place between 1997 and 2000.
Mills, who in 2024-2025 was paid between £355,000 and £359,999 by the broadcaster, was questioned under caution by officers in July 2018 and The Sun has reported Mills denied the claims at the time and informed the BBC.
The newspaper said BBC bosses decided not to take the then Radio 1 presenter off air at the time and the case was later dropped in May 2019 due to lack of evidence.
Hampshire Police say the sexual offences allegations were first reported by a third party in 2016 and that the force logged the details and passed on information to the Met for investigation.
The Met said it closed its investigation in May 2019 following advice from the Crown Prosecution Service that "the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges".
A BBC spokesperson said: "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 added: "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."
The BBC said it "made a significant commitment to improve its culture, processes and standards", and added that it set out "behavioural expectations for everyone who works with or for the BBC" and was "clear action would be taken" if they were not met last year, following an independent culture review.
Colleagues at the station reacted with shock at the sacking, with presenter Jeremy Vine drawing a comparison with how the BBC dealt with Huw Edwards, who was given a suspended jail sentence after admitting making indecent images of children.
The corporation was informed that Edwards had been arrested in November 2023 but continued to employ the veteran broadcaster until April 2024, when he resigned on medical advice.
Vine said on Tuesday there was a suggestion BBC bosses had acted swiftly against Mills because they "decided to treat Scott as they wish they treated Huw, which would be a bit unfair, would it not?"
Mills’ longtime BBC Radio 2 co-star Tina Daheley said on Wednesday it has been a “difficult week” as she broke her silence following his shock exit.
In an email sent to staff on Monday, Lorna Clarke, the BBC's director of music, acknowledged the news was "sudden and unexpected, and therefore must come as a shock".
Mills last hosted Radio 2's Breakfast Show on Tuesday March 24 and signed off with "see you tomorrow", before being replaced by Gary Davies.
The BBC is yet to announce who will take over from Mills on the flagship programme.
