Scott Mills was sacked after “new information” got here to mild regarding his conduct, the BBC stated on Wednesday.
The company confirmed in a press release that it was first made conscious of a police investigation into historic allegations of sexual abuse in 2017, however had terminated the radio presenter’s contract on Friday in accordance with its “culture and values”.
The BBC didn’t present particulars on what contemporary data had prompted it to take motion.
A spokesperson acknowledged there had been “much speculation in the media and online”, however stated: “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.”
In his first public assertion because the information broke on Monday, Mills stated: “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.
“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.
The 53-year-old added: “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.
“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.”
Until final week, Mills had introduced Britain’s hottest breakfast present, on Radio 2, having taken over from Zoe Ball final January and growing its viewers to six.5 million listeners.
On Monday, the Mirror reported that Mills’ sacking associated to a police inquiry that started in 2016 and associated to allegations of significant sexual offences towards a boy below 16.
The Metropolitan police stated the offences have been alleged to have taken place between 1997 and 2000, when Mills was in his 20s. The authentic grievance was made to police in the presenter’s native Hampshire.
Although Mills was interviewed below warning in 2018, he didn’t face fees.
The drive added: “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 BBC stated: “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 27 March.
“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.
“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.”
Mills has not been on air since 24 March. His departure was communicated to workers on Monday by Lorna Clarke, director of music on the BBC. She stated: “I wanted to personally let you know that Scott Mills has left the Breakfast show, and the BBC. I know that this news will be sudden and unexpected and therefore must come as a shock.
“Not least as so many of us have worked with Scott over a great many years, across a broad range of our programmes on R1, 5Live, R2 and TV. I felt it was important to share this news with you at the earliest opportunity.”
Mills has additionally been dropped as a patron by the charity Neuroblastoma UK, which funds analysis into simpler remedies for the childhood most cancers.
A spokesperson informed the Mirror: “We have communicated this decision to Scott and his team, and would like to thank him for his support to date. We remain unwavering in our mission to fund research to find better treatments, and a cure, for neuroblastoma.”
