BBC Apologizes to Trump Over Misleading Panorama Edit

The BBC has apologized to former US President Donald Trump for a misleading edit in its “Panorama” documentary, but the British broadcaster insists the matter does not amount to defamation.

Trump has threatened to sue the BBC for $1 billion (about €860 million), claiming the program distorted a speech he delivered to supporters in Washington, DC, on January 6, 2021, just before Congress was set to certify Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory.

The documentary allegedly combined two separate excerpts from Trump’s speech, which were more than 50 minutes apart, creating the false impression that he was encouraging the Capitol riot. The edit also removed portions in which Trump urged his supporters to act peacefully.

The program aired just days ahead of the 2024 US presidential election, intensifying the controversy. The fallout has already led to the resignations of BBC Director-General Tim Davie and BBC News Chief Executive Deborah Turness.