Donald Trump Criticizes BBC over Panorama Video Controversy
In a leaked memo, Michael Prescott accuses the BBC of doctoring a speech by Donald Trump to falsely suggest the President encouraged the Capitol Hill riots during a Panorama episode.
Details of the Alleged Manipulation
Michael Prescott, who advised the BBC's Editorial Guidelines and Standards Committee for three years before leaving in June, submitted a critical internal dossier to the BBC Board after his warnings were repeatedly ignored. He reported that the broadcaster had altered Trump's words to mislead viewers.
The excerpt was “mangled” and “completely misled” the audience by portraying Trump as telling supporters he would walk to the Capitol with them to "fight like hell," whereas 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, condemned the clip as “100 per cent fake news,” adding to the growing international demand for explanations from BBC leaders Tim Davie and Deborah Turness.
Summary
This controversy highlights serious concerns about media accuracy and editorial integrity at the BBC, as well as heightened tensions between the broadcaster and the White House.
Author’s Summary
The Panorama video scandal reveals BBC's alleged editorial misconduct, intensifying conflict with the White House over media trust and political narratives.