The BBC has issued an apology to US President Donald Trump after acknowledging that an episode of its Panorama program wrongly edited his January 6, 2021 speech. The broadcaster admitted the edit created the impression that Trump had directly called for violent action, but insisted the mistake was not intentional.
The program, originally scheduled for broadcast in 2024, will now be withdrawn and not shown again. Despite the apology, the BBC has rejected Trump’s demand for $1 billion in compensation, saying that such a claim has no legal basis.
Trump’s lawyers had threatened the organization with damages, arguing that the edit harmed the president’s reputation. In response, BBC Chairperson Sameer Shah sent a letter to the White House, formally apologizing for the error while disputing the compensation claim.
The fallout has already shaken the broadcaster’s leadership. Director General Tim Davey and Head of News Deborah Terence resigned on Sunday after the controversy came to light.
In its statement, the BBC said: “We strongly dispute that a claim for damages can be made.” The organization maintains that while the edit was regrettable, it does not constitute grounds for financial liability.
The dispute highlights the sensitivity surrounding Trump’s January 6 speech, which remains a focal point of political and media debate.