Samir Shah, chairman of the BBC, has reassured employees that the broadcaster intends to contest U.S. President Donald Trump’s threatened defamation lawsuit, asserting there is no legal foundation for the claim.
The warning follows a Panorama programme in which Trump’s January 6, 2021, speech was edited, creating the false impression that he called for violent action. The BBC has apologised, describing the editing as an “error of judgment,” but declined to offer financial compensation after Trump’s legal team threatened a $1 billion claim unless a retraction was published.
In his staff note, Shah said: “We are determined to fight this. Our focus remains on protecting the public interest and ensuring the BBC continues to serve its audiences effectively.” He also highlighted the commitment of the executive team to supporting staff and maintaining editorial standards.
Trump, speaking to GB News, insisted he had a duty to pursue legal action, adding that the case would probably be filed in the U.S. “If you don’t do it, you don’t stop it from happening again,” he said.
The Panorama scandal prompted the resignations of Director-General Tim Davie and News Chief Deborah Turness. The BBC has withdrawn the episode “Trump: A Second Chance?” and issued an online retraction.
Separately, the corporation apologised for mistakenly referring to Catherine, Princess of Wales, as “Kate Middleton” during Armistice Day coverage, noting that her correct title was used elsewhere in the broadcast.
