BBC sacked Scott Mills when ‘compelling new information’ emerged from underage accuser a decade after police investigation
Scott Mills dismissed by BBC amid new allegations from underage accuser
The BBC reportedly terminated Scott Mills’ employment after fresh claims from an underage accuser surfaced a decade following a police inquiry, according to recent reports. The decision, which came after 27 years with the organization, has sparked questions about the timing and reasoning behind his removal.
Friends noted Mills had been avoiding calls and withdrawing from public life since the announcement, with some describing him as “gone to ground.” The new evidence, involving the same alleged victim but differing from prior allegations, is said to have prompted the corporation’s leadership to act decisively.
Previous investigation cleared Mills of serious sexual offences
Mills, 53, was cleared of “serious sexual offences” against a boy under 16 between 1997 and 2000 during an earlier police investigation. Hampshire Police revealed the case was first reported in 2016 by a third party and transferred to the Metropolitan Police for review. The Met confirmed they questioned Mills that year, but the Crown Prosecution Service closed the case in 2019 due to insufficient evidence.
“I don’t understand. He was investigated by police 10 years ago over alleged offences 25+ years ago, but no action was taken and case was closed. Now he gets instantly fired over the same thing? The BBC needs to explain why, surely?”
While the BBC cited “personal conduct” as the reason for Mills’ dismissal, concerns remain about his continued presence on air despite being interviewed under caution between 2018 and 2019. The corporation has not elaborated further on the matter.
Timing linked to Huw Edwards’ downfall
The timing of Mills’ sacking appears connected to the recent Channel 5 documentary detailing the scandal of former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards. A London-based BBC executive suggested the timing was “not a coincidence,” noting the show’s impact on public perception.
The documentary, *Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards*, aired last week and portrayed the ex-anchor’s misconduct. Edwards, who received a six-month suspended sentence for three charges of producing indecent child images, was depicted by Martin Clunes in the series. He later criticized the program in a statement to the *Mail*.
“The BBC need to come clean about what exactly they know about the alleged investigation into Mills, otherwise there will be backlash from listeners who are confused why he has been sacked for something that happened 10 years ago.”
Some believe Mills’ dismissal was influenced by the renewed interest in sexual misconduct cases following Edwards’ exposure. His close friends and associates reportedly felt “totally blindsided” by the sudden termination and were unaware of the police inquiry until Monday.
Additionally, Neuroblastoma UK, a children’s cancer charity, has announced it will no longer associate with Mills, who had served as a patron since 2021. A statement from the charity noted the decision followed his dismissal, though the exact details remain unclear.
Friends have also reported Mills is “not taking calls” since his sacking, with one source stating he is “facing oblivion” and struggling to maintain his previous level of engagement. The situation has left many bewildered by the swift action taken against someone cleared of wrongdoing just years prior.
