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Mills Sacked Despite No Charges
The BBC terminated Mills despite no charges ever being filed.
“The BBC confirmed it knew about the police probe in 2017 but sacked him after receiving new information”
The broadcaster knew about a Met Police investigation in 2017 but acted after receiving new information.
The Met launched the probe in 2016 over allegations against a boy under 16 between 1997 and 2000.
Mills was questioned under caution in 2018 but the CPS decided the evidential threshold had not been met.
Mills issued a statement confirming he was the subject of the investigation and had fully cooperated.
BBC Knew But Didn't Act
The BBC knew Mills was being investigated years ago but allowed him to stay on air.
The BBC only became aware the alleged victim was under 16 in recent weeks.
Hampshire Police said the allegations were first reported by a third party in 2016.
The BBC's culture reforms were cited as context for the sacking.
Mills' audience reached about 10 million a week.
Mills Breaks Silence
Mills issued a statement addressing the investigation for the first time.
“Mills said he fully cooperated with authorities and the case was closed in 2019”
He confirmed the allegation dated back nearly 30 years and the investigation was closed 7 years ago.
He expressed hope the public and media would respect his wish not to comment further.
His shows began disappearing from schedules immediately.
Public and Political Reaction
The BBC's handling of the case sparked intense public and media scrutiny.
Opposition leaders demanded transparency over what the BBC knew and when.
The scandal upended a celebrated career from Radio 1 to Instagram's most followed British broadcaster.
The timing of the sacking fueled debate on BBC culture reforms.