The BBC has issued a personal apology to US President Donald Trump over a controversial documentary edit. The apology was sent by BBC Chair Samir Shah to the White House. However, the broadcaster rejected Trump’s defamation claim, saying there is no legal basis for a lawsuit.
The documentary, aired on the BBC’s “Panorama” programme before the 2024 US election, spliced parts of Trump’s January 6, 2021 speech. The edit made it appear as if he had called for violence. Trump’s lawyers demanded up to $1 billion in damages and a public apology, claiming the edit harmed his reputation.
Read more: BBC chief and news head resign amid bias controversy
Shah had earlier apologised to a UK parliamentary oversight committee, calling the edit “an error of judgment.” The BBC stressed that while it regrets the edit, Trump’s legal claim lacks merit. British Culture Minister Lisa Nandy welcomed the apology, saying the BBC recognized it had not met high editorial standards.
The broadcaster said it has no plans to rebroadcast the documentary. Meanwhile, it is investigating fresh allegations about similar edits in another programme, “Newsnight.” The controversy has caused a major crisis at the BBC, prompting resignations of senior executives amid bias claims.
Read more: Trump: We ‘obliterated’ Iran’s nuclear sites, no talks needed
Founded in 1922 and largely funded by a TV licence fee, the BBC is a major instrument of Britain’s global influence. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized support for a strong and independent BBC. The broadcaster continues to operate without a permanent leader as funding and oversight debates continue.