Scott Mills Loses Major Charity Ambassador Role Following BBC Axing
Scott Mills has been removed from his position as an ambassador for the MS Society, a leading UK charity supporting individuals affected by multiple sclerosis. This decision comes in the wake of recent allegations and his termination from the BBC last week, marking another significant blow to the broadcaster's public roles.
Charity Announces Mills' Departure After Decade-Long Service
The MS Society, the largest charity in the UK dedicated to aiding those with multiple sclerosis, confirmed that Mills is "stepping back" from his ambassadorial role, which he held for over ten years. A representative stated to The Mirror: "Scott Mills has been a valued MS Society Ambassador for over 10 years. In light of the current news, Scott is stepping back from this role while we review the situation."
The charity emphasized its commitment to trust and safeguarding, noting that its primary focus remains on supporting the MS community. "We take concerns of this nature and the trust placed in us as a charity extremely seriously," the statement continued. "Our priority is the MS community and ensuring we can continue to support everyone living with and affected by MS."
Background: Mills' Personal Connection to MS and Charity Work
Mills' involvement with MS charities stems from a personal connection, as his mother Sandra was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis after experiencing various symptoms. In a 2018 interview with the MS Trust, he expressed relief upon her diagnosis, saying: "In a weird, strange way, when she was actually diagnosed with MS, we were kind of relieved, because we knew what it was, we had a name for it so we could deal with it."
He has since been active in raising awareness for the condition, which impacts approximately 150,000 people across the UK. Reflecting on his mother's resilience, Mills added: "She faces MS every day, always with a smile on her face. She's been through a lot but she is my best friend and she is always there for me."
Allegations and Police Investigation Details
The decision to remove Mills follows allegations of "serious sexual offences" against a boy under the age of 16, reportedly occurring between 1997 and 2000. The Metropolitan Police investigated these historical claims, with the Crown Prosecution Service closing the case in 2019 due to insufficient evidence, and Mills was not charged.
However, recent reports indicate that Mills remained in contact with the alleged victim until around 2006. A source told The Sun: "A lot of Scott's friends knew about this lad. Scott stayed in touch with him, and I first heard about him in 2001." The source described their relationship as "friendly," similar to Mills' interactions with many others.
BBC Termination and Mills' Response
Last week, the BBC terminated Mills' contract after obtaining new information related to the allegations. He was replaced on his show by Gary Davies, and a BBC spokesperson explained: "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."
Mills' lawyers provided a statement to The Mirror, acknowledging the police investigation and its outcome: "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."
He expressed gratitude for the support received and requested privacy, stating: "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."
Impact on Charity Ambassadorship and Public Perception
Ambassadors like Mills play a crucial role in charities such as the MS Society, helping to amplify campaigns, engage the public, and support fundraising efforts. His departure underscores the challenges charities face when high-profile figures become embroiled in controversies, potentially affecting public trust and mission focus.
The MS Society's move to review Mills' position highlights the delicate balance between valuing long-term contributions and addressing serious allegations, ensuring that their work remains unimpeded by external scandals.
