Outgoing BBC Director-General Tim Davie urged staff to "stand up for our journalism" as US President Donald Trump threatens to sue the broadcaster for $1 billion over a Panorama documentary. Davie, who resigned Sunday along with BBC News Chief Executive Deborah Turness, told employees the corporation would not let its narrative be dictated by "enemies." His remarks came as seen by PA news agency amid mounting pressure over the selective editing of a Trump speech.
The controversy centers on a Panorama program that edited clips of Trump's January 6, 2021 speech before the US Capitol attack. Critics argue the BBC spliced segments to suggest Trump directly called for violence, omitting a section where he urged supporters to demonstrate "peacefully and patriotically." BBC Chairman Samir Shah apologized for an "error of judgment," admitting the editing gave the impression of a direct call for violent action. The broadcaster has received over 500 complaints since former editorial adviser Michael Prescott raised concerns in a leaked memo.
Trump's lawyers have demanded a full retraction by Friday, threatening legal action for "no less than 1,000,000,000 dollars in damages" under Florida law. The legal threat creates diplomatic complications for the UK government, as any payout would come from taxpayers. Local Government Minister Alison McGovern told Times Radio: «If they've made an editorial mistake, then they should apologise.» She added the BBC should follow its policies on editorial errors, while stopping short of fully backing the broadcaster against Trump's lawsuit.
Political Pressure Mounts
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called for the immediate removal of BBC board member Sir Robbie Gibb, a former Conservative communications director. Writing in The Guardian, Davey argued Gibb should have "no role in appointing the new director general" and demanded an end to political appointments that "so badly undermines the BBC." Shadow Culture Secretary Nigel Huddleston advised the BBC to "grovel" to Trump over the mistake.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is expected to address Parliament on the crisis, including the leadership vacuum and Trump's legal threat. Davie told staff he remained "fiercely proud" of their work and insisted: «We will thrive and this narrative will not just be given by our enemies: It's our narrative.» The BBC stated it will review Trump's legal letter and respond directly in due course.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
