Host Roy Wood Jr drew gasps and laughter from the audience on Have I Got News For You with a pointed joke about former BBC Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills’ recent departure from the broadcaster.
Background on Scott Mills’ BBC Exit
Scott Mills recently left the BBC amid reports of historic sexual abuse allegations involving a teenage boy. The Metropolitan Police confirmed an investigation into claims from between 1997 and 2000. Officers questioned a man in his forties in 2018 after launching the probe in 2016. The Crown Prosecution Service declined to press charges in 2019, citing insufficient evidence.
Mills addressed the matter in a detailed statement on Wednesday, confirming his involvement in the police inquiry. New details about the alleged victim’s age reportedly prompted the BBC’s decision.
The Controversial Joke on HIGNFY
During Friday’s episode, with guests Armando Iannucci and Anushka Asthana alongside team captains Ian Hislop and Paul Merton, Wood Jr referenced Mills while discussing a viral office chair race from Channel 4 News.
“This is a Japanese sport of office chair racing. Racers can attain speeds of over 20 miles an hour,” Wood Jr set up. “This is the fastest anyone’s moved on an office chair since Scott Mills was pushed out of the BBC.”
The live studio audience reacted with audible gasps mixed with laughter, highlighting the joke’s divisive impact.
Scott Mills’ Full Statement
In his response, Mills stated:
“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.”
“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 full episode streams on BBC iPlayer, with the next airing Friday at 9pm on BBC One.
