The BBC has issued a personal apology to US President Donald Trump over an edited video clip used in a 2024 documentary, but the broadcaster maintains there is no legal basis for a defamation lawsuit. The controversy stems from a “Panorama” programme that aired just before the US presidential election, where Trump’s January 6, 2021, speech was edited in a way that appeared to show him calling for violence.
In a statement, the BBC acknowledged the mistake in editing but firmly rejected Trump’s demand for compensation, saying it disagreed that the documentary provided grounds for a defamation claim. The broadcaster did not comment directly on Trump’s request for up to $1 billion in damages.
BBC Chair Samir Shah sent a personal letter to the White House apologising for the edit, calling it an “error of judgment.” He had also apologised earlier before a parliamentary oversight committee in Britain. The BBC said the documentary will not be rebroadcast on any of its platforms.
The issue escalated after The Telegraph reported fresh concerns about another BBC programme, “Newsnight,” which also edited the same Trump speech. The broadcaster said it is reviewing those allegations as well.
The BBC is currently facing one of its biggest internal crises in decades, with accusations of bias and the resignation of two senior executives. A leaked internal standards report triggered widespread scrutiny of editorial practices, raising questions about the organisation’s leadership and governance.
Founded in 1922 and funded through a licence fee, the BBC operates without a permanent head at the moment as the UK government debates future funding models. Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently expressed support for a “strong and independent” BBC, highlighting its importance as a key instrument of British soft power around the world.
