The BBC has finally spoken out following the dramatic sacking of longtime presenter Scott Mills — and their latest statement has only deepened the controversy.
In a bombshell update, the broadcaster confirmed it had obtained “new information” in recent weeks that directly led to Mills’ dismissal, insisting the decision was made in line with its “culture and values.”
According to the statement issued to the Mirror, the BBC admitted it had spoken directly to Mills after receiving the fresh details, before taking decisive action to terminate his contracts on March 27.
They said Scott Mills had enjoyed a long and successful career at the BBC and was hugely popular, adding that the news had come as a shock to many. The corporation also acknowledged the intense speculation surrounding the case, explaining that there are limits to what can be publicly disclosed due to the rights of those involved.
However, the most explosive revelation came as the BBC confirmed it had been aware as early as 2017 of an ongoing police investigation linked to Mills — a probe that was later closed in 2019 with no arrest or charges brought.
The statement reads that 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, and that they are now doing more work to understand exactly what was known internally at the time.
Despite the investigation ending without charges, the BBC has now admitted it is reviewing how much it knew — and when.
Insiders previously claimed bosses were left with “no choice” but to act after receiving the latest information about the Radio 2 presenter’s conduct. Crucially, the new details are said to involve the same individual linked to the earlier case — though they are reportedly different from the original allegations of serious sexual offences.
Mills had previously been questioned by police in 2018 over allegations involving a teenage boy, with the Metropolitan Police later confirming the individual was under 16. A full case file was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which ultimately decided there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.
Now, with fresh claims emerging years later, the BBC’s sudden move has sparked a wave of outrage — not just over what has come to light, but over why action wasn’t taken sooner.
