The BBC has broken their silence on their decision to sack Scott Mills - revealing they "obtained new information" which contravened their culture and values.
In a new statement issued to the Mirror, the Corporation also confirmed that they were "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."
They pledged that they were "doing more work to understand the detail of what was known by the BBC at this time.” The statement confirms a Mirror story today revealing the BBC received new information that they acted on.
In the new statement issued to the Mirror, the BBC said: "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 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.”
We told yesterday how bosses were left with 'no choice' but to act after being passed fresh details about the Radio 2 presenter's conduct. The Mirror revealed previously how Mills' sacking was related to a previous 2016 police investigation, and the-then teenage boy at the centre of it.
We told how while the new information involves the same person, it is different to the claims made during the investigation which focused on allegations of serious sexual offences.
We revealed this week Mills had been questioned by police in 2018 over allegations involving the unnamed teen. The Met Police has since confirmed the boy was under 16. A full file was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service case who decided there was a lack of evidence to press charges.
