Donald Trump Criticizes BBC Over Panorama Video Controversy
In a leaked memo, Michael Prescott accuses the BBC of manipulating a speech by Donald Trump to falsely suggest he incited the Capitol Hill riots during a Panorama episode.
Internal BBC Warning Ignored
Michael Prescott, who served three years as an independent external adviser to the BBC's Editorial Guidelines and Standards Committee before leaving in June, sent a critical dossier to the BBC Board last month. He claims the broadcaster repeatedly dismissed his concerns about the standards watchdog’s handling of the issue.
Details of the Alleged Manipulation
According to Prescott, the BBC "doctored" an excerpt of Trump's speech, airing a "mangled" clip in October 2024 that misled viewers. The video portrayed Trump as telling supporters he would walk to the Capitol with them "to fight like hell," whereas in reality, he said he would walk with them "to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard."
"The 'mangled' excerpt 'completely misled' viewers," Prescott wrote.
Trump Administration Responds
Trump's press secretary Karoline Leavitt denounced the BBC clip, labeling it as "100 per cent fake news." She intervened as international pressure increased on BBC leaders Tim Davie and Deborah Turness to address the controversy.
"100 per cent fake news," said Karoline Leavitt about the aired clip.
Summary
This dispute highlights serious journalistic integrity concerns over the manipulation of political content by a major broadcaster.
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