The BBC has apologised after it emerged that a freelance journalist raised concerns about Scott Mills with the corporation last year, but the matter was not properly followed up.
The broadcaster said it received a press query in 2025 containing 'limited information' about allegations of 'inappropriate communications' involving the Radio 2 DJ. The journalist asked whether the BBC was aware of any related matters, had received formal or informal complaints, or had conducted an internal investigation, but received no response.
Mills was sacked on Monday over his 'personal conduct'. It later emerged he had been investigated by police in 2018 over allegations of serious sexual offences against a boy under 16, but the case was dropped due to lack of evidence.
A BBC spokesperson 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.'
Mills, 53, took over the Radio 2 breakfast show in January 2025, boosting its audience to 6.5 million. He has also been dropped as a patron by Neuroblastoma UK following his dismissal.
