The BBC has apologised to Donald Trump for editing a speech to make it look like he had advocated violence, following the US president’s threat of legal action, but the broadcaster rejected the basis for a defamation claim.
In a statement on Thursday, the BBC said its chair Samir Shah sent a personal letter to the White House making clear to Trump that he and the corporation were “sorry” for the edit.
The BBC has announced that it will not be airing the Panorama documentary again on any of its channels or digital platforms. This decision comes amid concerns that the broadcaster might have to use funds from viewers’ licence fees to settle a potential compensation claim by the US president due to an error in the program.
“While the BBC sincerely regrets the manner in which the video clip was edited, we strongly disagree there is a basis for a defamation claim,” the BBC said.
The leaking of internal accusations of bias at the BBC, including in the way it edited a 2021 speech by Trump on the day his supporters overran the Capitol, has forced its top two leaders to quit and for Trump to threaten a US$1 billion ($1.5 billion) lawsuit.
This situation could further fuel criticism towards the BBC, particularly as there is a noticeable increase in viewers opting not to renew their annual licence fees. The controversy over the documentary has provided additional fodder for those questioning the broadcaster’s practices and financial decisions.
Trump’s lawyers had told the BBC to withdraw the Panorama program, apologise to the president and appropriately compensate him for the harm caused, or face a lawsuit seeking damages.
