The BBC has apologized to U.S. President Donald Trump for an "error of judgment" in editing a speech by him for a Panorama episode. The broadcaster acknowledged the clip made it appear Trump was directly encouraging the storming of the U.S. Capitol, but stated it would not broadcast the episode again and that it strongly disagrees there is a basis for a defamation claim. This apology comes after Trump threatened to sue the BBC for $1 billion if it did not issue a retraction, apologize, and compensate him for alleged harm.
The BBC's chairman sent a personal letter to the White House to express regret for the editing of the speech. While the BBC acknowledges the mistake in how the video clip was presented, it maintains that Trump's legal team's claim lacks merit. The BBC director general and head of news have resigned amidst the controversy, with the organization facing significant pressure.
Politicians, including the Liberal Democrats, have urged the UK government to reject Trump's demand, viewing it as an attack on the free press and an attempt to undermine the BBC. Concerns have been raised about the BBC's future and its ability to withstand such external pressures, with debate ongoing about how the broadcaster should adapt to changing audiences and political landscapes.
