Scott Mills, longtime BBC DJ, terminated after 'conduct' concerns

British radio DJ Scott Mills, best known for his hosting gigs on BBC's Radio 1 and Radio 2 stations, has been terminated following allegations of misconduct.

Mills, who had been working for the British broadcaster for nearly three decades, was reportedly fired due to concerns over his "personal conduct," BBC News reported on Monday, March 30. The outlet did not specify what behavior led to Mills' expulsion.

A spokesperson for the BBC later confirmed Mills' termination in a statement to USA TODAY.

"While we do not comment on matters relating to individuals, we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted to work with the BBC," the statement read.

USA TODAY has reached out to Mills' representatives for comment.

BBC's Director of Music Lorna Clarke addressed Mills' firing in a memo to staff obtained by USA TODAY. Clarke did not disclose any details on the radio DJ's alleged misconduct.

"I know that this news will be sudden and unexpected and therefore must come as a shock," Clarke said. "Not least as so many of us have worked with Scott over a great many years, across a broad range of our programs on [Radio 1], [Radio 5 Live], [Radio 2] and TV."

After working at several stations since his teens, Mills joined the BBC in 1998 as presenter for Radio 1's early breakfast show. Mills' big break came in 2004 when he became the host of his own show, "The Scott Mills Show," which ran until 2022.

Mills, 53, became a permanent host for BBC's Radio 2 in the fall of 2022, taking over for fellow DJ Steve Wright's afternoon show. Two years later, he was tapped to replace Zoe Ball as presenter for the station's breakfast show.

Mills' departure "will also come as a shock to our audience and loyal breakfast show listeners, too," Clarke continued. "I will update everyone with more information on plans for the show when I'm able to. While I appreciate many of you will have questions, I hope you can understand that I am not going to be saying anything further now."

In recent months, Mills chatted with a who's who of Hollywood, interviewing A-listers such as Taylor Swift, Mariah Carey, Timothée Chalamet, Paul Rudd and Jack Black, Harry Styles and Ryan Gosling.

According to BBC News, Mills' last show before his termination was March 24. The DJ's most recent Instagram post, dated March 22, is a segment taken from his March 18 interview with One Direction alum Louis Tomlinson.

Scott Mills BBC termination comes after alleged police investigation

Following Mills' termination, British media reported on Tuesday that the DJ was questioned by police a decade ago over previous allegations of sexual misconduct involving a minor.

A spokesperson for The Metropolitan Police confirmed the investigation to USA TODAY, although neither Mills nor the alleged victim were named. The investigation began in 2016 following a referral from another police force and examined alleged offenses that purportedly took place between 1997 and 2000.

"The investigation related to allegations of serious sexual offenses against a teenage boy," the spokesperson said in a statement.

Police said a man in his 40s was questioned under caution in July 2018 and that a full file was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service. Prosecutors concluded there was insufficient evidence to bring charges, and the investigation was closed in May 2019.

Several outlets, including BBC News, The Independent and The Mirror, have identified Mills as the man investigated by police.

The BBC declined to comment on the investigation. USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Mills.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and Spanish via chat and at 800-656-4673.

This story has been updated to add new information.

Contributing: Sam Tabahriti, Reuters