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BBC Apologizes to Trump Over Panorama Edit, Rejects Defamation Claim and Payout

The broadcaster withdraws the Panorama film following a leaked memo that exposed a misleading Jan. 6 edit.

Overview

  • The BBC acknowledged that splicing separate parts of Trump's 2021 speech created the false impression of a single passage that appeared to urge violence.
  • The corporation removed the Panorama episode from all platforms, and BBC chair Samir Shah sent a personal letter of apology to the White House.
  • Trump's lawyers demanded a full retraction and at least $1 billion by Nov. 14, while the BBC denies any basis for defamation or damages and legal experts cite jurisdictional hurdles.
  • A Daily Telegraph leak detailing the edit intensified scrutiny and preceded the resignations of director general Tim Davie and news chief Deborah Turness.
  • The BBC is investigating fresh claims that a similar edit aired on Newsnight, and the contested Panorama film—produced by external company October Films—ran shortly before the 2024 U.S. election.