Scott Mills is reportedly preparing to take legal action against the BBC after his shock dismissal from Radio 2, in a dramatic development that could turn one of the corporation’s biggest recent controversies into a full-blown courtroom battle.
According to the Mirror, the former BBC DJ has instructed top lawyers to bring an unfair dismissal claim after he was axed in connection with a police investigation involving an allegation relating to an underage boy. Mills was interviewed by police under caution in 2018 after being accused of serious sexual offences. A file was later sent to the Crown Prosecution Service, but prosecutors concluded there was not enough evidence to charge him.
The BBC previously said it had known about the investigation, but claimed “new information” later came to light. Sources have suggested that the new detail related to the accuser’s age. However, Mills is understood to be preparing to argue that the full circumstances of the police probe — including the accuser’s age — had already been disclosed to BBC Radio 1 bosses at the time.
One source told the Mirror: “It’s going to get very messy indeed.”
The 53-year-old broadcaster is said to be devastated by the loss of his BBC role, with friends reportedly rallying around him in recent days. One source added: “Friends are very worried about him.” Mills was recently seen near his Hertfordshire home with his husband Sam Vaughan and their dog.
The row follows Mills’ earlier statement through lawyers, in which he thanked supporters and addressed the police investigation publicly. He said: “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.”
Referring to the case, he added: “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.”
Mills continued: “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 co-operated and responded to in 2018.”
He also said: “Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed seven 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.”
The looming legal action now raises major questions for the BBC, especially over what senior bosses knew, when they knew it, and whether Mills’ dismissal can be justified if he did disclose the full details years earlier. What began as a shock exit from Radio 2 may now become a damaging legal fight over transparency, procedure and trust inside the corporation.
