Donald Trump Criticizes BBC over Panorama Video Scandal
In a leaked memo, Michael Prescott accused the BBC of manipulating footage of Donald Trump's speech to falsely suggest he incited the Capitol Hill riots. The incident occurred during a Panorama episode aired in October 2024.
Allegations of Video Manipulation
Michael Prescott, a former independent external adviser to the BBC's Editorial Guidelines and Standards Committee who left his role in June, submitted a critical internal report to the BBC Board after his warnings were repeatedly ignored. The memo revealed how the broadcaster "doctored" Trump's speech to make it appear as though he encouraged rioters.
"The 'mangled' excerpt 'completely misled' viewers by showing the president telling supporters he was going to walk to the Capitol with them to 'fight like hell', when he actually said he would walk with them 'to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard'."
White House Response
Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, dismissed the edited clip as "100 per cent fake news," as international pressure mounts on BBC leadership, including Tim Davie and Deborah Turness, to address the controversy.
Key Figures Involved
- Michael Prescott – former BBC adviser who exposed the issue
- Tim Davie – BBC Chief Executive
- Deborah Turness – BBC executive under scrutiny
- Karoline Leavitt – Trump’s press secretary criticizing the BBC
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the Biden administration and international media outlets.
Summary: A leaked memo accuses the BBC of manipulating Trump's speech on Capitol riots, prompting strong denials from the White House and calls for BBC leadership to respond.
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