BBC apologizes to Trump but rejects $1 bln compensation claim

The BBC has apologized to U.S. President Donald Trump over the editing of his speech in a Panorama documentary but declined to pay the $1 billion compensation his lawyers demanded, the broadcaster said.

The BBC confirmed it would not re-air the documentary “Trump: The Second Chance?” and sent an official letter to Trump’s legal team. BBC Board Chairman Samir Shah also wrote personally to the White House, expressing regret over the edited version of Trump’s Jan. 6, 2021 speech.

Trump’s lawyers had threatened legal action if the broadcaster failed to issue a retraction and pay damages. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt earlier called the BBC a “left-wing propaganda machine funded by British taxpayers.”

The controversy led to the resignations of Director General Tim Davie and Head of News Deborah Turness. The October 2024 Panorama episode was accused of misleading editing that made Trump appear to urge violence during the Capitol riot.