BBC apologises to Donald Trump and makes contemporary broadcast vow after Panorama drama

The BBC has apologised to Donald Trump over the editing of his speech before the infamous January 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol.

The edit appeared during a 2024 Panorama episode with the BBC describing it as an “error of judgement.” A BBC spokesperson said it would “not be broadcast again in this form on any BBC platforms.”

The BBC statement said: “Lawyers for the BBC have written to President Trump’s legal team in response to a letter received on Sunday. BBC Chair Samir Shah has separately sent a personal letter to the White House making clear to President Trump that he and the Corporation are sorry for the edit of the President’s speech on 6 January 2021, which featured in the programme.

“The BBC has no plans to rebroadcast the documentary ‘Trump: A Second Chance?’ on any BBC platforms. While the BBC sincerely regrets the manner in which the video clip was edited, we strongly disagree there is a basis for a defamation claim.”

President Trump threatened a billion-dollar lawsuit over the edit and BBC leaders ultimately decided against a public spat with the Republican. When asked about the legal threat by Fox News, Trump said he had “an obligation” to sue the organisation.

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