Donald Trump Condemns BBC Over Panorama Video Controversy
Michael Prescott, former independent adviser to the BBC's Editorial Guidelines and Standards Committee (EGSC), leaked a memo accusing the corporation of manipulating footage to misrepresent Donald Trump's speech about the Capitol Hill events.
Details from the Leaked Memo
Prescott, who served three years in this advisory role before stepping down in June, sent a critical report to the BBC Board last month after his repeated concerns to the standards watchdog were ignored. The memo describes how a segment aired in October 2024 on Panorama was "doctored" to falsely imply Trump encouraged the riots at the Capitol.
The edited excerpt "completely misled" viewers by showing the President saying he would walk to the Capitol with supporters "to fight like hell," when in reality, he said he would walk with them "to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard."
White House Response
Trump's press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, has forcefully rejected the clip as "100 per cent fake news." This statement comes amid increasing international scrutiny of BBC executives Tim Davie and Deborah Turness to address the controversy.
Key Points
- Michael Prescott opposed the doctored video exposing journalistic malpractice.
- The BBC faces rising pressure to justify the altered footage broadcast on Panorama.
- Trump’s team denies any encouragement of violence, emphasizing peaceful intentions.
Author’s summary: The controversy over the BBC’s altered footage of Donald Trump's speech highlights serious ethical questions and intensified calls for accountability within the broadcaster.