The BBC has issued a formal apology for editing together separate parts of a speech in a Panorama episode, acknowledging that the splice created the false impression of a continuous statement.
The state-funded mainstream news corporation said the edit “mistakenly” suggested that Donald Trump made a direct call for violent action and confirmed the programme would not be broadcast again.
The incident, which followed renewed scrutiny after a second similar edit surfaced from a 2022 Newsnight episode, contributed to the resignations of director general Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness. In its published clarification, the BBC accepted that the edit misrepresented the structure of the speech but insisted “the mistake was unintentional”.
The broadcaster has replied to a legal letter demanding a retraction, apology and financial compensation, but maintains there is no basis for a defamation claim, arguing the edits “lacked malice”, were part of a longer programme, and were restricted to UK audiences.
It further contends that the documentary “caused no material harm” and that political commentary enjoys strong protection under US law. The BBC has reiterated its “commitment to high editorial standards” and is reviewing the second clip, which critics say also combined separate lines from the speech. A spokesperson for Trump’s legal team claims the new revelations show a “pattern” of misleading editing.
NEW: BBC to apologize for deceptively editing President Trump’s January 6 speech in an effort to make it look like he encouraged violence at the Capitol.
The apology letter is reportedly expected to come early next week.
“Samir Shah, the BBC’s chairman, will write to the… pic.twitter.com/cJixU8mSDD
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 9, 2025
When or if Trump sues the Courts will decide if there is a case to answer or if there is an out of Court settlement
You wouldn’t know with TACO Trump who speaks out of three sides of His mouth
I havent watched any Bbc for over a decade. Theyve been fake news for a long time
What are the BBC sorry for? Deception, or getting caught?
BBC sends apology letter to Trump
https://www.rt.com/news/627770-bbc-apology-letter-trump/
They’ll apologise to a billionaire for their antics but not the people of the UK, who have paid for it on many levels, over the years. Bad journalism is a big part of the reason politicians and govt institutions, are not held to account.
Hope Trump sticks to his guns and sues the pricks to kingdom come.
There’s just ongoing arrogant unrepentant abuse from mainstream media (incl NZ) which needs to stop.