The BBC learned of a police investigation into Scott Mills in 2017 but lacked details about the accuser’s age, sources indicate. The 53-year-old broadcaster faced scrutiny over historic serious sexual offenses against a boy under 16 from 1997 to 2000. Authorities cleared him after review.

Investigation Timeline

Allegations surfaced in 2016 with Hampshire Police, involving a teenage boy aged 13 to 16. The case transferred to the Metropolitan Police in December 2016. Mills, then on Radio 1, attended questioning at a London station in 2018 without arrest. Prosecutors closed the matter in 2019, citing insufficient evidence for charges.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed contacts with Mills’ employer multiple times since 2017. Officers reportedly discussed details with BBC lawyers as recently as last week.

Mills Breaks Silence

In a statement through his lawyers, Mills addressed the probe: “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.”

He noted: “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.” Mills, whose BBC contract ended March 27, 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.”

BBC’s Actions and Admissions

The BBC terminated Mills’ contracts after receiving new information in recent weeks. A spokesperson stated: “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 corporation confirmed awareness of the 2017 probe, which closed without charges in 2019. It added: “We are doing more work to understand the details of what was known by the BBC at this time.” Sources suggest former Director-General Tony Hall lacked the full picture, including the accuser’s age.

Additional Concerns

Questions persist over Mills’ continued on-air role despite the known investigation. A former BBC presenter, Anna Brees, contacted executives in May 2025 about alleged inappropriate communications involving Mills and inquired on safeguarding complaints. The BBC later acknowledged it should have followed up on her query but did not.