The BBC has issued a new statement on Scott Mills, revealing that it knew about a police investigation into the DJ almost a decade ago.
Mills was sacked by the BBC following an allegation relating to his "personal conduct" just days after taking him off air.
It has since been revealed that the former BBC Radio 2 presenter was questioned by police over allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy under 16 in 2018, but the case was dropped due to a lack of evidence.
The BBC has now said that it knew about a police investigation into Mills in 2017 but said it “acted decisively” after receiving “new information” in recent weeks.
BBC says 'new information' led to Scott Mills sacking
A BBC spokesperson said today (April 1): “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.
“We also recognise there’s been much speculation in the media and online since Monday.
“We hope people understand that there is a limit to what we can say because we have to be mindful of the rights of those involved.
“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, March 27.”
The spokesman added: “The BBC has made a significant commitment to improve its culture, processes and standards.
“Last year, following an independent culture review, we set out the behavioural expectations for everyone who works with or for the BBC and we were clear action would be taken if these were not met.
Scott Mills has been sacked by the BBC following allegations about his personal conduct.
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) March 30, 2026
The 53 year old took over the Radio 2 breakfast show from Zoe Ball in January 2025.https://t.co/ABGXXdtIwh
“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.”
The corporation has also issued an apology for not following up after a separate allegation of “inappropriate communications” by Mills was raised by a journalist last year.
Scott Mills' representatives have been contacted for comment.
What did Scott Mills do?
Former breakfast show host Scott Mills was taken off air by the BBC last week before his sacking over allegations related to his “personal conduct” was announced on Monday (March 31).
It was later revealed that Mills was questioned by police over allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy under 16 in 2018, but the case was dropped due to a lack of evidence.
The BBC has said that his contract, however, was terminated after “new information” was obtained.
Police said a man, who was in his 40s at the time of the interview, was investigated in 2016 over allegations of serious sexual offences that took place between 1997 and 2000.
He was questioned by police under caution in July 2018 but was not charged with a criminal offence.
The Metropolitan Police does not identify people who are subject to an investigation before any charges are brought.
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A spokesperson said: “In December 2016, the Met began an investigation following a referral from another police force.
“The investigation related to allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy. These were reported to have taken place between 1997 and 2000.
“As part of these inquiries, a man who was in his 40s at the time of the interview was questioned by police under caution in July 2018.
“A full file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, who determined the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges. Following this advice, the investigation was closed in May 2019.”
The Met confirmed the boy was under 16.
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