BBC defends action in new sex abuse scandal involving DJ Scott Mills

The BBC is facing renewed criticism over its handling of sexual misconduct allegations, this time involving former high-profile DJ Scott Mills. The publicly funded broadcaster defended its actions after it was revealed Mills, 53, was sacked only recently, despite the corporation being made aware of a police investigation into him in 2017. London's Metropolitan Police confirmed they questioned Mills in 2018 over allegations of "serious sexual offences" against a boy under the age of 16. The alleged offences were said to have occurred between 1997 and 2000, when Mills was in his twenties. Prosecutors ultimately decided there was insufficient evidence to bring charges, and the police investigation was formally closed in 2019.

In a statement, a BBC spokesperson confirmed the organization was "made aware" of the police probe in 2017 and is now "doing more work to understand the detail of what was known." The spokesperson added that "in recent weeks, we obtained new information relating to Scott and we spoke directly with him," which led to his dismissal. This controversy is the latest in a series of scandals involving BBC personalities that have rocked the institution in recent years, raising persistent questions about its duty of care and internal protocols for handling serious allegations against staff. The case highlights the ongoing challenge for large media organizations in balancing legal processes, employment rights, and public accountability when historic allegations surface.