Donald Trump Condemns BBC Over Panorama Video Scandal
In a leaked internal memo, Michael Prescott accused the BBC of doctoring a speech by President Donald Trump to falsely suggest he incited the Capitol Hill riots during a Panorama episode.
Details of the Alleged Video Manipulation
Michael Prescott, who served three years as an independent external adviser to the BBC's Editorial Guidelines and Standards Committee before leaving in June, sent a critical dossier to the BBC Board. This was after repeated warnings to the standards watchdog were reportedly ignored.
"The corporation 'doctored' a speech by Donald Trump to make it appear like he had encouraged the Capitol Hill riots."
The altered excerpt aired in October 2024, misleading viewers by showing the President saying he would walk to the Capitol with supporters to "fight like hell." In reality, he said he would walk with them "to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard."
Response from Trump's Press Secretary
Karoline Leavitt, the President's press secretary, dismissed the clip as "100 per cent fake news." She spoke out as international pressure mounts on BBC executives Tim Davie and Deborah Turness to clarify the situation.
"100 per cent fake news." – Karoline Leavitt on the doctored video
The controversy highlights continuing tensions over media representation and editorial standards regarding the President's communications.
Summary: The BBC faces sharp criticism after internal claims of manipulating a Trump speech, sparking denials from the President’s team and calls for accountability from the broadcaster’s leadership.