Scott Mills Breaks Silence Following BBC Dismissal Over Historic Allegations
Former BBC Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills has broken his silence after being axed from the corporation last week. In a detailed statement, Mills addressed the circumstances surrounding his departure and confirmed his involvement in a historic police investigation.
Mills Confirms Police Investigation and CPS Decision
Mills stated: '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.'
Appeal for Privacy and Gratitude to Supporters
The 53-year-old presenter, who had been with the BBC for 27 years, appealed for privacy regarding the matter. '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.'
Mills expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who have supported him: '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.'
BBC's Knowledge of Investigation and Recent Dismissal
The BBC has admitted it was aware of a sexual offence police investigation into Mills back in 2017 - before dismissing him last week following new information. Corporation executives felt they had 'no choice' but to terminate the Radio 2 morning show host's contract after fresh claims about his alleged conduct emerged.
A BBC spokesperson stated 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.'
'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 27 March.'
Details of the Historic Allegations and Police Investigation
Mills was investigated over allegations of 'serious sexual offences' against a boy under the age of 16 between 1997 and 2000. Hampshire Police confirmed the sexual offences allegations were first reported by a third party in 2016, with details logged and passed to the Metropolitan Police for investigation.
The Metropolitan Police questioned Mills over the accusations when reported to them that year, but the Crown Prosecution Service determined there was insufficient evidence and closed the case in 2019.
BBC's Response and Ongoing Review
The BBC has declined to specify why Mills was dismissed beyond stating it related to his 'personal conduct'. However, the corporation faces questions about why Mills remained on air despite reportedly knowing he was interviewed under caution between 2018 and 2019.
New information is said to have been passed to the BBC relating to the same alleged victim but different from previous claims. The BBC spokesperson 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.'
Concerns have been raised by friends that Mills has been avoiding phone calls and had 'gone to ground' following Monday's announcement by the BBC. The corporation emphasized its commitment to improving culture and standards, stating action would be taken if behavioral expectations were not met.
