President Donald Trump has announced that he feels an “obligation” to
in a Panorama documentary.In an interview with Fox News, Trump said the BBC “butchered” his speech, misleading viewers
into thinking he encouraged the Capitol riot. His lawyers have demanded
$1 billion in compensation, an apology, and a retraction from the BBC —
giving them until Friday evening (22:00 GMT) to respond.
“They actually changed my speech, which was a calm and peaceful one.
What they did was rather incredible,” Trump said during the interview.
Background of the Case
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The controversy began after a leaked BBC memo revealed that the network had
edited Trump’s original words. In his real speech, Trump said:
“We’re going to walk down to the Capitol, and we’re going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women.”
But in the Panorama version, he was shown saying:
“We’re going to walk down to the Capitol… and we fight. We fight like hell.”
That edit made it appear as though Trump directly called for violence — a claim his team says
is false and damaging.
Fallout Inside the BBC
The issue has caused a major crisis within the BBC. Director General
Tim Davie and Head of News Deborah Turness have
resigned, acknowledging mistakes but defending the organization’s integrity.
BBC chair Samir Shah apologized for an “error of judgment,” while the UK government
stated it would not intervene, calling it “a matter for the BBC.”
Wider Implications
This legal threat comes as the BBC faces renewal of its Royal Charter in 2027,
which defines how the broadcaster is funded and governed.
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the government wants to ensure the BBC remains
“genuinely accountable” but warned politicians not to attack the institution itself.
Meanwhile, the Reform UK Party has cut ties with a BBC documentary project following the Trump controve
