BBC faces legal threat after Trump speech edit sparks controversy

Shiva Kumar Dhakal | National Press News | London, 10 November 2025

BBC chair Samir Shah has apologised for an “error of judgement” after a Panorama documentary edited parts of US President Donald Trump’s speech in a way that appeared to show him urging supporters to storm the US Capitol in January 2021.

The apology comes as President Trump’s legal team has threatened to sue the BBC for $1 billion (£760 million) unless it issues a full retraction of the programme by Friday, 14 November.

A leaked memo by former BBC adviser Michael Prescott claimed the 2024 broadcast had “misled viewers” and accused the corporation of ignoring internal warnings about accuracy. Following the fallout, BBC director general Tim Davie and News CEO Deborah Turness resigned on Sunday night, taking responsibility for the editorial failure.

In a letter to MPs, Mr Shah admitted that the edit “gave the impression of a direct call for violent action”, though he insisted “there was never any intention to mislead.” He rejected allegations of “institutional bias,” saying the BBC remains committed to accuracy and impartiality.

President Trump’s lawyers said the broadcaster’s actions caused “serious reputational harm,” warning legal proceedings would begin if no retraction is made by the deadline.

Mr Shah confirmed an independent editorial review is now under way, calling the incident a “regrettable but isolated lapse” that does not reflect the BBC’s overall standards.