Scott Mills was dismissed by the BBC after senior figures learned that the alleged victim linked to a historic police investigation was under the age of 16, it has been reported.
The broadcaster had been aware of the investigation as far back as 2017, but it is understood - and reported by BBC News - that current management only recently became aware of the individual’s age.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the BBC said it had obtained new information in recent weeks which led to the termination of Mr Mills’ contract last Friday.
Mr Mills, 53, has now spoken publicly for the first time since his departure, saying he had “fully cooperated and responded” to the investigation when it took place.
Scott Mills was dismissed by the BBC
| GETTYThe probe, which related to allegations dating back nearly 30 years, was closed in 2019 after prosecutors determined there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.
He said: “The recent announcement that I am no longer contracted to the BBC has led to the publication of rumour and speculation. In response to this, the Metropolitan Police has made a statement, which I confirm relates to me.
"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.
"As the police have stated, a file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined that the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges.
The BBC said it had obtained new information in recent weeks, which led to the termination of Mr Mills’ contract
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"Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed seven years ago, I hope that the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter.
"I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have reached out to me with kindness, my former colleagues, and my beloved listeners, who I greatly miss.”
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the investigation concerned allegations of serious sexual offences involving a teenage boy under 16.
The alleged incidents, which were initially reported by The Mirror, took place between 1997 and 2000, when Mr Mills would have been in his mid-20s.
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Former director-general Tony Hall allegedly was not informed of the allegations while in the role
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Mr Mills did not address the substance of the allegations or provide further detail about them.
The BBC has faced mounting pressure to clarify what was known internally at the time of the original investigation.
It has now said it is reviewing records and speaking to staff involved in 2017 to establish what information was available and whether it was appropriately escalated.
A BBC spokesperson 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.
Scott Mills was axed over allegations against his personal conduct
| BBCThe spokesperson added: "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."
It is understood and reported by BBC News that former director-general Tony Hall was not informed of the allegations while in the role.
The former DJ last hosted his Radio 2 breakfast show on March 24, signing off as normal. Presenter Gary Davies has since stepped in, alongside OJ Borg, as the BBC considers a long-term replacement.