BBC knew of Mills investigation in 2017 before sacking
BBC knew of Mills investigation in 2017 before sacking
BBC confirms awareness of a 2017 police probe into DJ Scott Mills, and explains his contract was terminated after new information emerged.
The BBC has confirmed it was aware in 2017 of an ongoing police investigation connected to DJ Scott Mills. The inquiry concerned historic allegations of serious sexual offences involving a teenage boy under 16 in 2016, a case that was closed in 2019 with no arrests or charges. Mills was dismissed in recent weeks after new information came to light, with the broadcaster stressing that it acted decisively in line with its values. The BBC said it spoke directly with Mills during the process, and Mills has not yet commented. It also noted that the director-general at the time, Tony Hall, did not know about the allegations.
In its statement, the BBC emphasised there is limited scope for public sharing while protecting the rights of those involved. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the boy involved was under 16 at the time of the alleged offences. The decision to terminate Mills’s contract came amid mounting scrutiny and questions about what the BBC knew and when. Some colleagues and commentators have urged a fuller account, arguing that transparency about how the BBC handles misconduct cases is essential for public trust. The sacking illustrates ongoing debates about accountability within major media organisations.
The BBC added that it is doing more work to understand the detail of what was known by the organisation at that time and to strengthen governance and safeguarding procedures going forward. Mills has not responded to repeated requests for comment.
