Overview
- The BBC amended an online story that had stated Earl Spencer "waited 25 years before revealing the truth" about the 1995 Panorama interview after receiving a formal complaint lodged by Andy Webb and supported by Spencer.
- Documents show Spencer wrote to then director-general Mark Thompson in 2005 raising concerns about Panorama’s conduct, with the letter later released under FOI and a BBC insider calling the erroneous claim a mistake reviewed quickly.
- Webb’s nearly 20-year investigation, including FOI actions that forced the release of thousands of BBC emails in 2024, underpins his new book alleging a prolonged institutional cover-up.
- An independent 2021 inquiry led by Lord Dyson found Martin Bashir used forged documents and deception to secure access to Princess Diana and concluded BBC leaders later tried to conceal the misconduct.
- Prince William, who has criticized the BBC’s failings as fueling his mother’s fear and isolation, is seeking fuller disclosure, and Rosa Monckton says Diana told her in 1997 she regretted doing the interview because of its effect on her sons.