BBC says sorry for edited Trump clip but denies defamation claim

Shiva K Dhakal
National Press Corporation(NPC)
United Kingdom—The BBC has apologised to US President Donald Trump for an edited Panorama clip that wrongly appeared to show him urging supporters toward violence during his 6 January 2021 speech. However, the corporation has rejected Trump’s demand for $1bn (£759m) in compensation, saying there is “no basis” for a defamation claim.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the BBC admitted its edit “unintentionally created the impression” of a single continuous speech, when the video had in fact stitched together excerpts taken more than 50 minutes apart. The broadcaster said the 2024 Panorama episode would not be shown again.

BBC chair Samir Shah has written directly to the White House expressing regret. The corporation’s response follows legal threats from Trump’s team and comes days after director general Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness resigned.

The apology came as a second similarly edited clip — aired on Newsnight in 2022 — resurfaced, prompting fresh scrutiny of BBC editorial standards.

In a letter to Trump’s lawyers, the BBC argued the documentary did not air in the United States, caused no demonstrable harm, and was not edited with malice. It also said political speech enjoys strong protections under US law.

Trump’s legal team said the new revelations show a “pattern of defamation”, while the UK government declined to comment. The White House has yet to respond.