Controversy Surrounds Former BBC Radio 2 Host After Sexual Offence Allegation
Scott Mills, the former BBC Radio 2 presenter, has announced he is stepping back from his long-standing ambassador role with the MS Society amid serious allegations that led to his BBC dismissal.
The 53-year-old broadcaster was abruptly removed from his BBC contract after revelations surfaced about an ongoing police investigation involving alleged sexual offences. Crucially, the alleged victim was reportedly under 16 years old at the time of the incident.
MS Society Responds to Allegations
The MS Society, Britain’s largest charity supporting people living with multiple sclerosis, confirmed Mills’ decision in a statement: “Scott Mills has been a valued MS Society ambassador for over 10 years. In light of the current news, Scott is stepping back from this role while we review the situation.”
The charity emphasized its commitment to maintaining public trust and addressing concerns with the utmost seriousness. Mills initially joined the MS Society as an ambassador in 2015, motivated by his personal connection—his mother lives with MS, a debilitating neurological condition affecting the brain and spinal cord.
Honorary Doctorate Under Review
Further repercussions for Mills include the anticipated revocation of his honorary Doctorate of Arts from Southampton Solent University. The university’s honorary doctorate scrutiny panel is scheduled to meet later in April to consider this action.
Details of Police Investigation and BBC Termination
Mills’ BBC contract was terminated on March 27 following allegations tied to his personal conduct. The Metropolitan Police had opened an investigation back in December 2016 concerning serious sexual offences allegedly committed against a teenage boy between 1997 and 2000, when Mills was in his mid-20s.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, the police stated that the Crown Prosecution Service concluded the evidential threshold to prosecute was not met, leading to the case’s closure in May 2019.
Scott Mills’ Public Response
In his first statement since the BBC dismissal, Mills addressed the swirling rumors and media speculation: “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 clarified that the investigation resulted in a file being submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which ultimately decided not to pursue charges due to insufficient evidence.
Mills appealed for privacy and respect, noting that the incident dated back nearly 30 years and the police investigation had been closed for seven years. He expressed his desire to make no further public comments on the matter.
