ShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleNoor NanjiCulture correspondentBBCThe BBC knew about a police investigation into DJ Scott Mills in 2017, the corporation has confirmed.
But the Radio 2 presenter was sacked after "new information" about his conduct came to light last week, the BBC said in a new statement.
No charges were brought against Mills after prosecutors in 2019 decided there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the case.
Mills has not responded to repeated requests for comment.
The statement from the BBC comes after mounting pressure on the broadcaster to explain what led to the Radio 2 DJ's sudden departure, years after he was questioned by police over historical allegations of serious sexual offences.
In a statement, 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. As a result, the BBC acted decisively in line with our culture and values and terminated his contracts on Friday 27 March."
The 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."
The statement concluded that the BBC has made "a significant commitment to improve its culture, processes and standards".
"Last year, following an independent culture review, we set out the behavioural expectations for everyone who works with or for the BBC and we were clear action would be taken if these were not met."
